Basant Panchami 2021: Saraswati Puja Timings & What to Do on This Day?

Basant Panchami 2021, also called Vasant Panchami, is on February 16. Saraswati puja is the main feature of this festival. It is believed that Goddess Saraswati was incarnated on this day.  

The festival marks the following: 

• The onset of Spring. Flowers bloom everywhere! 

• The commencement of Holi preparations. Holi falls 40 days after Basant Panchami. 

• The maturing of mustard crop. Mustard fields are filled with bright yellow flowers that not only provide a stunning view, but also energize the atmosphere. 

How to Celebrate Basant Panchmi? 

Hindus celebrate this festival by doing Saraswati Puja to get her blessings. Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge. She is also associated with arts and music.  People worship the Goddess to ask her to give them knowledge, wisdom, and education so that they can do better in life.  

When is Basant Panchmi 2021?

Tithi 

This year (2021), Panchami tithi starts at 03:36 am on February 16 and ends at 05.46 am on February 17.  

Saraswati Puja timing 

The best muhurat to do Saraswati Puja is between 06:59 to 12:35 (duration is 5 hours and 37 minutes).  

Basant Panchami marks full blooms, vibrance, energy, and health, and happiness.  

People wear yellow on this day. If not yellow, you can also wear related bright color like oranges and other bright shades, even pure white. Do not wear dark shades like black, blue, brown on this day.  

Goddess Saraswati loves yellow and white.  

On this day, Hindus prepare special & delicious recipes, especially sweet dishes. People decorate their homes and office spaces with yellow flowers. In Rajasthan, people wear Jasmine garlands. Sikhs adorn yellow turbans. People, especially newly married couples, visit temples to seek blessings of the Almighty.  

In Uttarakhand, people worship Shiva-Parvathi as Mother Earth and as nature, crops, or agriculture.  

In many homes, people cook yellow rice, gift yellow items, etc. In some states like Punjab, people fly yellow and other bright color kites.  

What not to do on Basant Panchami? 

Avoid doing the following things, as it can annoy the Goddess on this day: 

• Do not eat without taking a bath. 

• Do not wear dark shades like blacks and blues. 

• Do not get angry, abuse, or speak negative. 

• Do not eat meat, eggs or drink alcohol. 

So, this Basant Panchami 2021, bring home a bunch of yellow flowers, wear yellow, cook some yellow dish, and worship Goddess Saraswati to have a bright and wise year ahead. Eat a sattvic diet and stay humble and sweet. Oh, by the way, why not bring some flowering plants for the home garden this Basant Panchami?