KATHMANDU, Feb 14: Saraswati, the goddess of learning, is being worshiped today. Every year, on the auspicious day of Magh Shukla Panchami, the Sri Panchami festival is observed by worshiping Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge.

This day is also known as Basant Panchami, signifying the onset of spring, the king of seasons. 

Students take an early bath, observe the mass Saraswati Puja in schools and visit temples and listen to the Basanta Shrawan.

Once Ritu Raj Basant was visited by the other five seasons for eighteen days. As the five seasons meet for 40 days, Basant Panchami is celebrated on Magh Shukla Panchami, 40 days before Chait Krishna Pratipada, which marks the beginning of spring season. From this time Basanta Raag started to be sung.

Offerings such as curd, milk, sesame laddu, coconut water, radish, Indian plum, stone apple, and ginger are offered to goddess Saraswati. 

As Saraswati likes white color, flowers, sandalwood, conch etc., these things are offered in puja these days. After the puja, meditation of Saraswati and chanting of the mantra 'Shri Hreem Saraswatyai Namaha' is done. This mantra is considered to be bestow knowledge, wisdom and good luck. After this Saraswati Kawach is recited.

There is a religious belief that Saraswati, the patron of music, art, literature, and learning, blesses those who recite stotras (hymns) after performing proper worship.

Kids start learning alphabets and early classes on the occasion of Sri Panchami reaching various temples and pre-primary schools as well.

Students especially in educational institutions celebrate this festival with importance. Pilgrims flock to various Saraswati temples across the valley, including Jayabageshwari, Pashupati, Swayambhu's Saraswatisthan, Lajimpat's Neel Saraswati, and temples in Changu, Pharping, Balkhu, Handigaon, and Lele.

 
• Saraswati_Puja
 
• Magh_Shukla_Panchami