Vasant (or Basant) Panchami

What is this festival about?

• This festival is about remembering our goddess of knowledge, Saraswati
• This also marks the beginning of spring season in India

When is it celebrated?

Like the name says, this festival is celebrated on 5th day (aka Panchami) of Spring (aka Vasant).  Based on lunar calendar, this is celebrated on 5th day of Magh month. This typically comes in the month of January or February.

Why do we celebrate it (the story behind it)?

The reason comes directly from the fact that this is the beginning of spring season.

As for worshiping goddess Saraswati, this day is considered to be her birthday.

How do we celebrate?

1. In the morning, take bath and wear yellow (the color associated with goddess Saraswati) or white clothes
2. Prepare or get some sweets for offering (preferably yellow), like kesar halwa, sweet saffron rice, boondi laddu, kheer with saffron, ras-malai, peda petha, jalebi, kulfi.
   
3. With your family, start by cleaning your worship area, lighting diya and incense stick, and placing prasad and flowers.
   
4. First, perform arti of Lord Ganesha.
   
5. Next, perform arti of Goddess Saraswati.
   
6. That's it, enjoy prasad that you prepared earlier!