Feb 4: Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning and knowledge is honoured on Basant Panchami or Vasant Panchami.
Maa Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom, learning, music, art, and science. Vasant Panchami is a prominent Hindu festival that is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the Lunar Eclipse in the month of Magh (spring) as per the Hindu calendar. The day mostly falls in January or February.
Schools and educational institutes do observe the day with Saraswati Pujan. Anubujh’ muhurta is a perfect time and considered auspicious to carry out the rituals followed during Saraswati Pujan.
Astrologers consider the best time to worship Goddess Saraswati in the morning hours and while the Panchami (fifth) Tithi (date) prevails.
The Shubh Muhurat for the festival of Basant Panchami this year is from 07:07 am to 12:35 am. The Basant Panchami Tithi starts on 5 February at 3:47 am and ends on 6 February at 3:46 am.
To worship the Goddess of Learning:
“Place a photo or an idol of Goddess Saraswati on a wooden platform with a red/yellow cloth spread on it. Keep the books of your children, a pen/pencil/slate at the Goddess’s feet.
Light a brass or an earthen lamp. (Use ghee/mustard oil or sesame oil). Light a few incense sticks. Invite Maa Saraswati with utmost devotion to accept your prayers and offerings.
Put a tika with Chandan and kumkum on the Goddess’s forehead”.
