Vasant Panchami is a remarkable festival among the Hindus. This holyday is particularly known for the ‘puja’ (to worship) of Devi Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, Art and Music. It is a waited festival for all and is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the Indian month of ‘Magh’ (A Time Between January-February). It is also the first day of ‘Vasanta Ritu’ (The Start Of Spring).

Spring is most beautiful among all seasons. With the flourishing beauty of Nature, the festive mood reaches its height. The ‘Palash’ (A beautiful red flower often referred as the ‘flame of the forest’) trees are laden with blooming flowers and the air gets heavy with the hot smell of fruits.

Devi Saraswati is the wife of “Lord Brahma’ (The Creator according to Hindu mythology). She is dressed in white or light lemony yellow sari. A mighty, white swan, Her constant companion, accompanies Goddess Saraswati in Her visit to earth. The Goddess possesses four hands, sitting on the swan. Since she is the Goddess of ‘Music’, she holds the ‘Veena’, a stringed instrument in one of her hands. It is a special day for students and scholars, who pray to the Goddess for prosperous academic careers.

History tells us that the Aryans came to India through the Khyber pass and settled in Punjab, Haryana and North Rajasthan. Saraswati was one of the seven holy rivers flowing through modern Punjab, Haryana and North Rajasthan. The mythological background of Saraswati shows the importance of the river Saraswati in the life of the Aryans settled along her river banks. Sociologically the River Saraswati was an important factor in ancient civilization. She is therefore a part of the fertility cult.

The Aryans who lived along the banks of the river were pastoral and rural. All early development took place on the river bank. Consequently Saraswati came to be venerated as a symbol of knowledge. It is evident that the upper strata of society used their superior knowledge and expertise to deprive the ignorant lower half of society.