Basant Panchami 2016 - Vasant Panjami in 2016

Basant Panchami 2016 date is February 12. This is also known as Basant festival i.e. the festival of Basant Ritu (spring season). Vasant Panchami or Basant Panjami marks the end of winter and beginning of the spring. It is one of the most popular festivals in northern and eastern parts of India. In India, it is believed that there are six different seasons in a year. Basant or Vasant is considered to be the best season as there is neither excessive cold or heat and humidity during this period.

According to Hindu calendar, Basant Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day in bright half of Magh month. Goddess of knowledge and voice, Saraswati, is worshiped on this day. It is believed that Goddess Saraswati was born on the day of Basant Panchami. The idol of goddess is adorned in yellow and white colored clothes, and worshiped with several mantras. Children are initiated for education and gaining knowledge on this day.

Yellow color signifies the season of Vasant, therefore this color is given special importance on Basant Panjami. People clad in yellow attires perform ‘homa’ or ‘havan’ and recite hymns in praise of Goddess Saraswati. Other than Saraswati, people worship Surya Dev (Sun God), goddess Ganga (river Ganges) and Bhu Devi (Goddess of earth) on this occasion.

It is an old tradition to fly kites on Vasant Panchami in North India. Elders of family buy and gift mainly yellow colored kites to children. The competitions of kite flying are also held in many cities on this day. Basant Panjami is a festival dedicated to nature. This festival shows the reverence to Mother Nature and celebrates its immense beauty.