Festival guide
The festival of Sarasvatī and the coming of spring on the fifth day of the bright half of Māgha, a favourite day to begin learning.
Exact dates and timings depend on your location and calendar tradition: check a local pañcāṅga.
Sarasvatī is the goddess of speech, learning and music, the river goddess of the Ṛgveda who became the patron of every art. Vasanta Pañcamī, the fifth day of the bright half of Māgha, is kept as her day and also marks the first stirring of spring (vasanta), when mustard fields turn yellow.
Because learning begins with her blessing, children are often taught to write their first letters on this day, and students place their books and instruments before her for worship.
Sources: Ṛgveda (hymns to Sarasvatī); Brahmavaivarta and Devī Bhāgavata Purāṇas
Customs differ between families and regions; follow your own tradition where it differs.
4 texts, each opens in its own recitation frame
Sarasvatī Pūjā in schools and homes, with images of the goddess on a swan.
Basant, with yellow clothes and kite flying.
Yellow is the colour of spring and of the flowering mustard fields, and is considered dear to Sarasvatī.
Yes. It is one of the most auspicious days for vidyārambha, the beginning of a child's education.
Learn Sanskrit
Vasanta Pañcamī is a festival (in Devanagari: वसन्तपञ्चमी (Vasanta Pañcamī)). Source: Ṛgveda (hymns to Sarasvatī); Brahmavaivarta and Devī Bhāgavata Purāṇas.
The festival of Sarasvatī and the coming of spring on the fifth day of the bright half of Māgha, a favourite day to begin learning.
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