KATHMANDU, Feb 3: Shree Panchami, also known as Basanta Panchami or Saraswati Puja, is being celebrated across the country on Tuesday by worshiping Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning, art, music, and culture.
This festival, celebrated annually on the fifth day of the bright half of the Nepali months of Magh or Falgun, is observed by the Hindu and Sikh communities, primarily in Nepal and eastern India. It marks the arrival of spring, as plants begin to sprout, winter crops such as barley and wheat start to grow, and fruit trees like plum, pear, and peach begin yielding. Many flowering plants also bloom at this time.
Shree Panchami celebrations
The day holds special significance for students and artists. They take early baths, participate in mass Saraswati Puja at schools, visit temples, and listen to the Basanta Shrawan.
The festival is also considered an auspicious time to start new ventures or make commitments to good causes. On this day, children begin learning the alphabet and attending early classes, with many temples and pre-primary schools hosting celebrations.
