Shree Panchami celebrations

KATHMANDU, Jan 23: The best way to live a life is to continue to learn. Every year, Nepalis worship goddess Saraswati and pray for knowledge as well as learning on Saraswati Puja. The day is also called Shree Panchami or Basanta Panchami, and falls on Magh Sukla Panchami of the lunar calendar. Different schools organize prayer functions to mark the day and some even announce free admissions for play groups. 

As little kids are taught to read and write by making them scribble on the walls of Saraswati temples on this day, one can witness throngs of people paying homage to the goddess. People also visit various Manjushree temples on Saraswati Puja. 

Moreover, this day is also celebrated to welcome spring and bid adieu to harsh winter. The day of Shree Panchami is believed to be auspicious to begin any new work or for events like weddings, rice feeding ceremonies, inhis and threading ceremonies, among others. Hence, several couples tie the knot on this day, and it is not surprising to see many getting married at the temples on Saraswati Puja. Here are some glimpses of Shree Panchami celebrations around Kathmandu.