Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami marks the first stirrings of spring and is especially associated with Goddess Saraswati, the deity of learning, music, language and the arts. In many traditions the day is remembered as Saraswati's manifestation or birth celebration, so students place books, musical instruments and tools of study before her and seek clarity of mind. The yellow of mustard blossoms, ripening fields and spring sunlight became a familiar colour of the festival, appearing in clothes and food. In eastern India the observance is widely celebrated as Saraswati Puja, while in other regions it is also called Shri Panchami. The festival connects the change of season with the idea that knowledge, creativity and disciplined learning should continually be renewed.

Vasant Panchami is valued for devotion, family tradition and the spiritual or seasonal meaning attached to the day.

Yellow is worn and yellow is eaten. Books, pens and instruments are put in front of Saraswati and not used for the day. In schools and music rooms the puja is done in the morning, and a child of about three or four is often given a slate and made to draw a first letter on it.

Bengal keeps it as Saraswati Puja, the largest school and college festival of the year, with pandals and the first writing done at the image's feet. Punjab flies kites. In the south Saraswati is honoured at Navratri instead, so the day passes lightly there.