The festival of Shri Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha of Magh month. This festival is celebrated with a lot of joy and enthusiasm. This day is celebrated in different places in different forms. Saraswati Puja is done in temples on this day. It is believed that worshiping Goddess Saraswati on this day leads to the development of one’s knowledge and learning and hence Mother Saraswati is worshiped on this day with yellow flowers, fruits and yellow dishes.
Many religious and folk traditions have been associated with this day in Hindu culture. Primary education of small children should ideally be commenced on this day by organising a Saraswati Puja. Shri Panchami's day is considered very auspicious to start the education of children.
Different forms of Shri Panchami
The word "Shri" refers to Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. Shree has been associated with victory, wealth, intellect and knowledge. In the Indian tradition, both Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi have been addressed by the name Sri. Shri Panchami is a festival that celebrates both these Goddesses. The month in which this festival is celebrated varies each year. It is determined by the Hindu Panchang calendar.
Shri Panchami Puja Muhurta
Panchami Tithi Start - February 13, 2024 at 02:41 PM
Panchami Tithi ends - February 14, 2024 at 12:09 PM
Shri Panchami is the period in which changes take place in nature. Nature undergoes a complete makeover. A beautiful spectacle is seen on all sides. This time is right for the blossoming of flowers. Yellow flowers are seen all around. The natural, as well as the religious aspects of this festival leave an equal impression on everyone alike.
Shri Panchami - Why is it considered an auspicious time?
Shri Panchami period is considered very auspicious. Many types of auspicious works are performed on this day. This day is especially considered very beneficial to commence new projects. This day is also considered auspicious for marriage. Marriages too are organised on this day. It is believed when two people tie the knot and unite on this day then their marriage lasts for a long time and they always stand by each other.
Several beliefs related to Shri Panchami abound. This day is considered ideal to carry out rituals. It is believed that the universe was created on this day. Goddess Saraswati also came into existence on this day, hence traditionally Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on this day. This day is considered ideal to learn lessons from a Guru. The commencement of learning in any form is also done on this day. Books and musical instruments are worshiped on this day.
On the day of Shri Panchami, children are first caught with a pen. Scholars believe that on this day, 4 should be made with honey on the children's tongue. This makes the child intelligent. Sri Panchami day is very auspicious for the tradition of Annaprashan. Along with these, this day is also considered to be the best for home entry and new works.
Children are given a pencil to write with on this day. Scholars believe drawing Aum with honey on a child's tongue on this day makes the child intelligent. This day is also considered very auspicious for Annaprasha. People also undertake housewarming and new projects on this day.
Sri Panchami - How is it celebrated in various places?
The festival of Shri Panchami is celebrated in different forms at different places of India. Every place has its own different traditions and beliefs. Let us find out how Shri Panchami is celebrated in various places.
Educational institutions in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan celebrate this day with a lot of fanfare. Yellow colour is used very dominantly, be it clothes or food, this colour dominates his festival. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped by abiding by all rituals. Cultural programs are organized. This period signifies reconciliation and happiness.
In North India, houses are cleaned and decorated on the day of Saraswati Panchami. Yellow clothes are worn. Saffron-turmeric Tilak is applied. Saffron kheer is made as a bhog in all the homes. Prasad of Bundi and gram flour, Malpua is distributed to all. Goddess Saraswati is worshiped. This day is celebrated on a very large scale.
In Bengal, the festival of Shri Panchami is celebrated with great pomp as Saraswati Puja. Huge Pandals are built for Goddess Sarawati Devi’s Puja. These Pandals are of the same scale as they are in the case of Durga Puja. Laddu, Khichdi, Rajbhog etc. are made as offerings to Goddess Saraswati. In Punjab and Haryana region, this day is celebrated as Basant Panchami. Kites are also flown on this day. Cultural programs are organized.
How to perform Puja on Shri Panchami?
Goddess Saraswati is specially worshiped in Shri Panchami Pujan. All Puja items should be placed in a dish. The pooja items consist of yellow flowers, yellow fruits, sweets, Panchamrit, Mewa, jaggery, cardamom, betel leaves, saffron, clothes, Abir, sandalwood, Akshat, Dhoop-Agarbatti and ghee lamps. Red or yellow colored Asana should be spread at the place of worship. The idol of Goddess Saraswati should be installed on a pedestal. Goddess Saraswati should be offered yellow clothes, items related to make up, Kumkum and Akshat.
Apply turmeric on the betel leaf and place the betel leaf and flowers near Goddess Saraswati Panchamrit should be offered. Lamps and incense sticks should be lit. After chanting Mata Saraswati's Mantra and Aarti, you should ask for blessings from Mata Saraswati for a bright future. If there are children who are studying, then their books and pens can also be kept at the place of worship.