New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the nation well on Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja, stating, “Best wishes on the auspicious occasions of Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja” via a post on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also shared his warm wishes: “Heartfelt greetings to all the countrymen on the sacred festival of Basant Panchami.” He expressed a hope that “Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and discretion, brings happiness and prosperity to everyone’s life.”
J.P. Nadda, Union Minister and BJP National President, conveyed his regards as well, stating, “Heartiest greetings on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, the festival dedicated to Maa Saraswati, the goddess of learning, wisdom, knowledge, and love for nature.” He added, “May Goddess Saraswati illuminate your lives with knowledge and provide happiness, prosperity, and good health.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also extended his wishes, saying, “Warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of Vasant Panchami and Saraswati Puja.”
Basant Panchami, or Vasanta Panchami and Saraswati Puja, is a festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati that marks the onset of spring. It is celebrated throughout India with various customs.
The festival also signifies the start of preparations for Holika and Holi, which occur about forty days later. Vasant Utsav on Panchami is observed as a transitional period leading to spring’s full bloom. The festival is characterized by vibrant yellow mustard fields, a color closely associated with Goddess Saraswati.
During this time, temples and educational institutions honor the Goddess by dressing her idols in yellow and performing special prayers. Many schools and colleges hold morning pujas to seek her blessings for knowledge and wisdom.