Kathmandu: Shree Panchami, also known as Basanta Panchami, is being celebrated across Nepal today with devotion and reverence by worshipping Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, and learning. The festival is observed annually on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magh.
It is widely believed that offering prayers to Goddess Saraswati on this day enhances knowledge, intelligence, and creativity. Saraswati temples across the country have witnessed large crowds of devotees since early morning. On this auspicious occasion, young children who have not yet begun formal education are traditionally initiated into learning through Akshararambha (the ceremonial introduction to letters), as it is believed that beginning education on this day brings success in learning.
Goddess Saraswati, depicted with a fair complexion like the moon and holding a veena and sacred scriptures, is worshipped by various names including Bharati, Sharada, Hansabahini, Jagannmata, Vagishwari, Kaumari, Varadayini, Buddhidatri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, and Bhuvaneshwari.
As the goddess of knowledge and creativity, Saraswati is especially revered by writers, artists, journalists, teachers, and students, who worship their tools of practice such as pens, books, musical instruments, brushes, and notebooks. Tantric practitioners worship her in the form of Goddess Tara to attain spiritual accomplishments.
The day also marks the beginning of the spring season, with the sun moving northward and days gradually becoming longer. Saraswati is mentioned in the Rig Veda as Vakdevi and is revered as the consort of Lord Brahma. Religious scriptures, including the Gandharva Purana, state that initiating education after worshipping Saraswati on this day leads to the attainment of complete knowledge and success.
Traditionally, Shree Panchami is considered highly auspicious for social and religious ceremonies such as weddings, Bratabandha, Gufa rituals, and Bel Bibaha (Ihi), without the need to consult an auspicious time. However, religious authorities note that such ceremonies are not being performed this year due to the inauspicious setting of Venus (Shukra Asta).
Major Saraswati temples, including Swayambhu, Maitidevi, Nil Saraswati at Gairidhara, and Lele in Lalitpur, have seen a heavy influx of devotees, particularly students. According to religious belief, swallowing seven grains of sacred rice offered to the goddess without chewing is believed to awaken wisdom and intellect through divine blessings.
Basanta Shravan at Hanumandhoka
On this occasion, the traditional Basanta Shravan ceremony is being observed at Nasal Chowk of Hanumandhoka Durbar. President Ramchandra Paudel performed the ritual at the auspicious time of 10:27 am on Friday, according to Laxman Panthi, Executive Director of the Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Development Committee.
The ceremony is attended by the Vice President, Prime Minister, ministers, National Assembly chairperson and members, constitutional heads, provincial assembly members, and other high-ranking officials. The Hanumandhoka Durbar Conservation Office stated that all preparations for the event were completed in advance.
— RSS
