Basant Panchami celebrated with devotion across Nepal (photos)

KATHMANDU: Basant Panchami, observed annually on the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Magh, is being celebrated today with grand rituals, including the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom and knowledge, and the sacred Basant Shravan ceremony.

Basant Shravan Performed at Hanuman Dhoka

This year, the auspicious Basant Shravan ritual was performed at 7:55 AM at Nasal Chowk, Hanuman Dhoka, as per the Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Bikas Samiti’s prescribed timing.

The event was attended by President Ram Chandra Poudel, according to Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Care Office Chief Sandeep Khanal.

Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Deputy Prime Ministers Prakash Man Singh and Bishnu Prasad Paudel, along with ministers, lawmakers, constitutional officials, and provincial assembly members, were also present at the ceremony.

Nationwide Worship of Goddess Saraswati

Across Nepal, devotees are offering prayers to Goddess Saraswati, who is depicted with a fair complexion, holding a veena and a book.

She is also known by various names such as Bharati, Sharada, Hansvahini, Vagishwari, Kaumari, Varadayini, Buddhidatri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, and Bhuvaneshwari.

As the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and creativity, Saraswati is especially revered by writers, artists, journalists, teachers, and students, who worship their tools of learning—pens, notebooks, brushes, and musical instruments—as embodiments of the deity.

Tantric practitioners also regard her as Taradevi for spiritual attainments.

Basant Panchami marks the transition to longer days and the arrival of the spring season. According to the Rigveda, Goddess Saraswati, also called Vagdevi, is the consort of Lord Brahma, and her worship is believed to bestow knowledge, wisdom, and success.

Religious and Cultural Significance

Devotees believe that initiating education on this auspicious day ensures success in learning. Many parents introduce young children to writing, a ritual known as Akshararambha. Schools and educational institutions across Nepal also conduct special Saraswati Puja ceremonies.

The day is also significant for other religious and social functions. It is believed that weddings, Bratabandha (sacred thread ceremonies), Gufa rituals for young girls, and Bel Bibaha (Ihi) can be performed today without consulting astrological timings.

Additionally, ear and nose piercings are considered auspicious on this day.

Crowds Gather at Saraswati Temples

Saraswati temples across the country, including those at Dillibazar, Swayambhu, Maitidevi, Gairidhara, and Lalitpur’s Lele, witnessed a large influx of devotees from early morning. Students, in particular, flock to these temples to seek blessings for academic excellence.

A widespread belief states that swallowing seven grains of consecrated rice (Akshata) offered to Saraswati without touching them enhances wisdom and intellect, bringing enlightenment from the goddess.

With sacred rituals, vibrant celebrations, and deep spiritual significance, Basant Panchami continues to hold an important place in Nepalese tradition, marking the arrival of spring and the blessings of knowledge.

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