Basant Panchami (Saraswati Pooja) 2016

Basant Panchami:


This year, the festival of Basant / Vasant Panchami ( Saraswati Pooja ) will be celebrated on Friday, 12th February 2016.

Basant Panchami Puja Muhurta = 09:16:54 to 11:16:38

Duration = 1 Hour 59 Mins
Purvahna Kaal = 09:03:55 to 11:16:38

* The festival of Basant Panchami (Vasant Panchmi) is celebrated on fifth day (panchami)of Shukla Paksha of Magh month.

* On this day Lord Vishnu, God Krishna-Radha and Goddess of education Mother Saraswati is worshiped with yellow flowers, Gulaal, water offerings, incense, lamp etc.

* As per the tradition, yellow and sweet rice and yellow coloured Halwa is offered to God in the pooja and then eaten as Prasadam.

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In 2016 will be celebrated on Friday, 12th February 2016.

Vasant Panchami Puja Muhurta = 09:16:54 to 11:16:38

Duration = 1 Hour 59 Mins
Purvahna Kaal = 09:03:55 to 11:16:38

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In 2017 will be celebrated on Wednesday, 1st February 2017.

Vasant Panchami Puja Muhurta = 09:07:23 to 11:17:22

Duration = 2 Hours 9 Mins
Purvahna Kaal = 09:07:23 to 11:17:22

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 In 2018 will be celebrated on Monday, 22nd January 2018.

Vasant Panchami Puja Muhurta = 09:08:51 to 11:16:28

Duration = 2 Hours 7 Mins
Purvahna Kaal = 09:08:51 to 11:16:28

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 In 2019 will be celebrated on Sunday, 10th February 2019.

Vasant Panchami Puja Muhurta = 09:04:38 to 11:16:52

Duration = 2 Hours 12 Mins
Purvahna Kaal = 09:04:38 to 11:16:52

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 In 2020 will be celebrated on Wednesday, 29th January 2020.

Vasant Panchami Puja Muhurta = 10:45:13 to 11:17:13

Duration = 0 Hours 32 Mins
Purvahna Kaal = 09:08:09 to 11:17:13

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Basant Panchami and Goddess Saraswati :

Goddess Saraswati is the mother of wisdom and music. Panchami is also celebrated as the birthday of Goddess Saraswati. Basant Panchami is the festival of king of all seasons. This begins from spring season and carries upto Panchami of Krishna Paksha of Falgun month. This festival is especially considered significant for lovers of art and education.

Basant Panchami : Importance of Yellow colour

On the day of Basant Panchami, yellow coloured dishes are made in many regions of north India. yellow flowers are seen the most, during Vasant Ritu (spring season). This time, mustard crops are full grown and yellow colored flowers blossom on it. Basant means a sort of intoxication. The Colour of Basant is known by the name of Basanti colour, that is yellow. This colour is in the mid of yellow and orange. Hence, considering the relevance of yellow colou, many people eat food of this color, wear yellow coloured clothes. Every where, there is an environment of happiness.

 
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History:


* According to an ancient belief, Lord Brahma created this universe. This festival is celebrated in north India with full glee and delight.
*As per another mythological story, this day Lord Rama ate half tasted grapes of Shabari and to commemorate this day, the festival of Vasant Panchami is celebrated.
* According to scriptures, Lord Brahma blessed Shri Krishna that he will be worshipped on the day of Basant Panchami.



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Significance:


The day of Vasant Panchami is considered to be the beginning of life. Spring season is the season of rebirth and bloom. In this season, fields of yellow mustard, charm everybodies heart. Wheat crop starts swinging like gold. Colorful flowers starts blossoming. The day of Basant Panchami is celebrated as the welcoming of colors and happiness.


Vasant Panchami is celebrated on the fifth date of Magh Masa. On this day, apart from Goddess Saraswati, Lord Vishnu and Kamdev is also worshiped. Out of all six seasons, spring season is the most adorable and winsome.


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Basant Panchami: Festival of Flying kites:

On the day of Vasant Panchami,  kite flying competitions are also organised. In this festival, national and international competitors participate.

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Basant Panchami -- Abujh Muhurat (most auspicious day):

On this day, starting of education is considered favourable. There is no need to apply any more rules of Muhurat to perform this Sanskar. Probably, because of this reason Rishis started the custom of Saraswati Puja, on the day of Basant Panchami.  Vasant Panchami is a favourable day for auspicious works like marriage, construction of house, beginning of a factory, inauguration of an educational institute etc.. 

 
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Basant Panchami Recipes:

The talk of any festival is incomplete without mentioning the food and dishes. Good food increases the value of the festival or it can be said, nice food prepared at home, give the feel of the festival. India is a vast county. Its culture is really prosperous. This fact can be seen on the occasions of Basant Panchami also.

Basant Panchami and Food of Bengal 

 

In Bengal, Basant Panchami is known by the name of ‘Sri Panchami’.  Bengalis are fond of sweets. On the day of Vasant Pancahmi, people like to eat sweet food. Saffron, dry fruits and sugar is mixed in rice and cooked. Sweet rice like Pulav is made in almost everyones’ house. Goddess is offered Ladoos and Bundi as Prasaad. This Prasaad is distributed to everyone and then self eaten.

Basant Panchami Recipes of Bihar 

There is a tradition of eating sweet food on Basant Panchami. People have Kheer, Malpua and Bundi, on this day.


Basant Panchami Recipes of  Jharkand

People worship Lord Shiva together with Goddess Saraswati, on this day. Devotees make Lord Shiva bath with milk. Different varieties of sweets are offered to God which includes yellow colored sweet as well. Public take sweet food in meal.

Basant Panchami Recipes of Uttar Pradesh 

Lord Krishna wear yellow colored clothes. Yellow color is very dear to him. In Mathura and Vrindavan, special Puja is organised for Lord Krishna, on Basant Panchami. God is offered various kinds of sweets. All sweets offered to God on this day, have a yellow color. On the day of Vasant Panchami, people eat yellow color sweet and rice.
 
Punjabi Recipes for Basant Panchami


There is a tradition of eating sweet rice on Vasant Panchami. Also, chapatis of corn and mustard vegetable (Maake ki Roti and Sarso Ka Saag), the popular dish of Punjab is eaten today.


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Saraswati Pooja:

Saraswati Vandana Mantra:


Saraswati Vandana Mantra is an important hindu mantra that is recited for higher knowledge and wisdom.

a Kundendu Tusharhar Dhavalaa, Ya Shubhra Vastravritaa;
Ya Veenavardandmanditkara, Ya shwet Padmasana.
Ya Brahmascheut Shankar Prabhritirbhirdewah Sadabanditah;
Sa Maam Patu Saraswati Devi, Ya Nishesh Jadyapahaa.

(या कुन्देन्दु तुषारहार धवला, या शुभ्र वस्त्रावृता !
या वीणावरदंडमंडितकरा, या श्वेत पद्मासना !!
या ब्रह्मास्च्युत शंकर प्रभृतिर्भिरदेवाः सदाबंदिताः
सा मां पातु सरस्वती देवी, या निशेष जाड़यापहा !!) 

 

Hindi / हिंदी अनुवाद:

जो कुंद फूल, चंद्रमा और वर्फ के हार के समान श्वेत हैं, जो शुभ्र वस्त्र धारण करती हैं|

जिनके हाथ, श्रेष्ठ वीणा से सुशोभित हैं, जो श्वेत कमल पर आसन ग्रहण करती हैं||

ब्रह्मा, विष्णु और महेश आदिदेव, जिनकी सदैव स्तुति करते हैं|

हे माँ भगवती सरस्वती, आप मेरी सारी (मानसिक) जड़ता को हरें||

English / Translation:

She, who is as fair as the Kunda flower,the moon, and a garland of Tushar flowers;

She, whose hands are adorned by the excellent veena, and whose seat is the pure white lotus;

She, who is constantly praised and glorified by Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh and other divinities;

O Mother Goddess, remove my mental inertia!

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Shri   Saraswati   Mantras:

(1) Saraswati Ekakshar Mantra

ऐं॥

Aim॥

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(2) Saraswati Dvyakshar Mantra

ऐं लृं॥

Aim Lrim॥

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(3) Saraswati Tryakshar Mantra

ऐं रुं स्वों॥

Aim Rum Svom॥

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(4) Saraswati Dashakshar Mantra

वद वद वाग्वादिनी स्वाहा॥

Vad Vad Vagvadini Svaha॥

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(5) Saraswati Mantra

ॐ ऐं नमः॥

Om Aim Namah॥

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(6)  Saraswati Mantra 

ॐ ऐं क्लीं सौः॥

Om Aim Kleem Sauh॥

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(7) Mahasaraswati Mantra

ॐ ऐं महासरस्वत्यै नमः॥

Om Aim Mahasarasvatyai Namah॥

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(8) Saraswati Mantra

ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं वाग्देव्यै सरस्वत्यै नमः॥

Om Aim Hreem Shreem Vagdevyai sarasvatyai Namah॥

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(9) Saraswati Mantra

ॐ अर्हं मुख कमल वासिनी पापात्म क्षयम्कारी
वद वद वाग्वादिनी सरस्वती ऐं ह्रीं नमः स्वाहा॥

Om Arham Mukha Kamala Vasini Papatma Kshayamkari
Vad Vad Vagvadini Saraswati Aim Hreem Namah Svaha॥

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(10) Shri Saraswati Puranokta Mantra

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु विद्यारूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Vidyarupena Samsthita।
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥

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(11)  Saraswati Gayatri Mantra

ॐ ऐं वाग्देव्यै विद्महे कामराजाय धीमहि। तन्नो देवी प्रचोदयात्॥

Om Aim Vagdevyai Vidmahe Kamarajaya Dhimahi।
Tanno Devi Prachodayat॥

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For Complete Saraswati Stuti go to my following link:

 
http://festivalsofindia-bb-blog.blogspot.in/2015/02/saraswati-stuti-in-hindi.html

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Vasant Panchami is the birth day of Goddess Saraswati, the Adhisthtari Devi of Vedas. Saraswati is the Goddess of learning and speech, and one of the three Mahadevi (great Goddess). Basant Panchami has special significance as it is the birthday of Maa Saraswati.


The day of Vasant Panchami is the most auspicious for worshiping of Goddess Sharda (Saraswati). This day, small girls of age group ranging from 2 to 10 are offered meal of yellow - sweet rice and then they are also worshiped. After the pooja, yellow colored clothes and ornaments are given to unmarried girls and poors. It is said that it enhances knowledge, art, peace and happiness of the family. Apart from this, worshiping Shiva Linga with yellow flowers is also considered auspicious.




* On the day of Saraswati Pooja, Magh Shukla Panchami, Goddess Saraswati is woshipped by the students and teachers in all the educational institutions.


* Goddess Saraswati is also considered the Devi of art and is also worshipped by peoples related to this field.


* On this day the students also worship the books, copies and pens along with the Goddess Saraswati.


* Musicians worship their instruments.


* The Painters worship their paint-brushes and colours. 


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Saraswati's  Birth:


During the construction of this world, Devi Mahalakshmi appeared first and evoked Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. When all the three appeared, Devi Mahalakshmi requested all three Gods to produce Goddesses as per their qualities.


* Lord Shiva evoked Maha Kaali from Tamogun,
* Lord Vishnu evoked Devi Laxmi from Rajogun.
* And Lord Brahma evoked Devi Saraswati from Satvagun.
When the three Goddesses appeared then Mahalakshmi gifted them to the Gods who evoked them to run the universe. After this, Mata Mahalakshmi merged herself in Mata Lakshmi.

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Saraswati  'The Goddess of Music':




After building the universe, Lord Brahma saw that his creation is quiet like a dead body. It has neither a sound nor any music. Lord Brahma was not happy with the sadistic view of his universe. Then Lord  Brahma went to Vishnu and told him about his creation. Lord Vishnu told Brahma that Goddess Saraswati can help him solve his problem. He advised him to evoke Goddess Saraswati and the sound of her Veena will give voice to his creation.


On suggestion of Lord Vishnu, Brahma ji evoked Goddess Saraswati. When she appeared, Brahma requested her to give sound to his creation from her Veena. The moment Saraswati touched the wires of Veena, 'sa' alphabet came out from it. This alphabet is the first sound of the seven sounds of music.


The flow of this music gave voice to the voice less universe. Winds, rivers, sea, birds, animals and all other things got voice.
The water started flowing with humming sound. The wind got the murmuring sound. This made God Brahma happy and he called Goddess Saraswati  with different names like : Vagishwari, Vageshwari, Bhagawati, Sharda, Veenavaadini, Veenapani and Vagdevi. From this day, the celebration of worshipping Goddess Saraswati started.

 
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Vasant Panchami : The Birthday of Goddess Saraswati


Since ancient times, there is a belief that Goddess Saraswati appeared on this day and to celebrate her birthday, her devotees perform her pooja.


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Saraswati Pooja Celebration:

* While performing Saraswati Pooja, the idol or photo of Goddess Saraswati is kept in front.
* After this, pinnacle or kalash is enshrined and Ganesh and the nine planets are worshipped.
* After this Mata Saraswati is worshipped. While worshipping Mother Saraswati, Aachman is performed and she is bathed.
* After this, flowers, garlands, Vermilions and other make up things are offered.
* On this day, Gulaal is also offered on the feets of Mother Saraswati.
* Devi Saraswati is coated with white cloth.
* On occassion of Saraswati Poojan, yellow flowers are offered and seasonal fruits and boondiyas are offered as Prasad.
* On this occassion, Malpua and Kheer are also offered to the Goddess.


Havan of Goddess Saraswati:


* After performing the pooja, Havan is performed.


* For Havan, one and quarter hands should be measured and a mark should be made on all the four sides of the Havan Kund or the earth. Clean it with Kusha, sanctify it with Ganga Jal and lit fire with small pieces of Mango woods.


* During Havan, Ganesh ji is worshipped first and then it is performed on the name of Navagra.


* After this Goddess Saraswati is worshipped and havan is performed reciting the Mantra 

"Om Shri Saraswatyai Namah Swaha". 


* After havan, aarti is performed and the Bhabhut (Ashes) is applied.


Saraswati Immersion:


After Saraswati Puja, on morning of  Magh Shukla Panchami, Saraswati is worshippd. In the evening, the Goddess is greeted and then immersed in the water.



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Basant Panchami Recipes:

(1) Mohan Thaal

Ingredients:

Besan[Gram flour]-2cups
Sugar-1/2 cup
Water-1 cup
Cow’s Ghee-1cup
Chopped almonds and pistachios-1/2 cup
Powdered cardamom-1tsp

Method:

For basic mixture:
·         Heat a frying pan and add cow’s ghee to it.
·         On heating add khoya and the gram flour.
·         Add dry fruits to the mixture and stir till the mixture turns reddish brown.
·         Keep aside.
For sugar syrup:
·         Heat another saucepan, add water and sugar.
·         Stir it and bring it to a syrupy consistency.
·         Now Grease a plate and keep it aside.
Final procedure:
·         Then add the reddish brown mixture to the sugar syrup and stir it till the consistency becomes thick like a paste.
·         Pour the mixture on the grease plate and sprinkle the powdered cardamom.
·         Leave the ‘mohan thaal’ to set.
·         Then cut the ‘mohan thaal’ diagonally crosswise, hence the pieces obtained will be diamond shaped.
The Basant Panchami bhog ‘mohan thaal’ is ready to be offered to lord Shri Radhavallabh.

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(2) Meethe Chawal

Ingredients :

Basmati rice    500 gm
Almonds         20 pieces
Pista                20 gm
Kaju                20 gm
Kismis             20 gm
Khoya             250 gm
Lavang           10 pieces
Elaichi             10 pieces
Saffron            ¼ teaspoon
Kewra             400 gm
Sugar               100 gm
Ghee                100 gm
Water              7 glasses

Method:

      Soak the rice, badam and kaju. Put the saffron in the 7 glasses of water and boil. Put the soaked rice in the boiling water and also some lavang and elaichi pieces. When the rice is done sieve it to drain excess water.
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      In a heavy bottomed pan put some ghee and add some more elaichi and lavang and fry for 2 minutes. In a pressure cooker put half of the cooked rice and then half of the sugar and then the remaining rice.
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      Cook over a low flame. Add the remaining ghee to the rice, occasionally stirring it. Cook for 25 minutes.
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      Now add all the dry fruits and the mixture should be well steamed. Add 3 teaspoons of kewra and cover the vessel.
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      After the water has dried up add the khoya and cook for 15 minutes and take the vessel off the fire and put a silver foil over it. Totally it would take around 45 minutes to 1 hour for this preparation.

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(3) Moong Dal Samosa

Ingredients:

Wheat flour - 1 cup
Moong dal - 1 cup
Pepper powder - 1 tsp
Salt - as needed
Oil - as needed

Method:

1. Mix wheat flour, salt, water in a bowl, knead to a dough and set aside.
2. Cook moong dal, with water, salt in a pan.
3. When moong dal is cooked, strain water, add pepper powder, mix well and set aside.
4. Take a small portion of dough and roll into a circle.
5. Place a spoon of moong dal, cover and set aside.
6. Repeat the process.
7. Heat oil in a frying pan.
8. Add the samosas, fry and set aside.
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(4) Murukku

Ingredients:

    * moong dal - 1cup
    * chana dal - 1 cup
    * rice - 4 cups
    * jeera - 1 tsp
    * white til - 1 tsp
    * l.g powder - 1 pinch
    * butter - 50g
    * water to knead dough
    * salt to taste
    * oil to fry

Method:

   1. Heat a kadai.Fry moong dal,and chana dal till it gives out aroma.add rice and fry a little.
   2. Powder in a dry grinder to a very fine powder.
   3. Make a soft dough using flour,salt,l.g.powder,jeera,til,butter(softened)andwater.
   4. Heat oil in a deep kadhai,and fill chakli press with dough.
   5. Press chaklis in hot oil and fry till golden brown.
   6. Remove on paper napkins and store in an airtight container.
   7. Stays fresh and tasty for 2 to 3 weeks.enjoy.
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(5) Mung dal Dhokla

Ingredients:

 For batter
1 Cup Rice
¾ cup Mong dal
¼ urda dal
½ tsp of tumeric powder
1 Baking soda
1 cup curds
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1 tsp Mustard seeds
Finely chopped coriander
1 bowl of grated coconut

Method:

1. Soak rice urda dal  and mung dal overnight.
2. Grind it and add the curd and salt. Leave it for 5 to 6 hrs to ferment
3. Mix green chilli paste to it. Add tumeric powder
4. Boil water in a big container for steaming.
5. Meanwhile grease a thali and put a pinch of soda to it, put 3 tbsp of the batter on the thali and mix it well.
6. Steam the dhokla container till the cake is set and cooked.
7. Remove and cut it in squares when its cold.
8. for tempering:
Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves .
9. Spread this oil over dhokla pieces and decorate it with corriander leaves and grated coconut.
10.serve it with  pudina chutney or tomato sauce


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