Basant Panchami – The festival welcoming arrival of spring held on the fifth day of month of Maagh in Hindu calendar (corresponding to late Jan – early Feb of Gregorian) marking the start of Spring and Holi season. On this day Hindus worship Saraswati Devi, the goddess of knowledge, music, art and culture. It is called Basant or Vasant Panchami. In modern times, however, Vasant Panchami day is more commonly associated with Maa Saraswati, the goddess of learning, wisdom, knowledge, fine arts, refinement, science and technology. People worship Goddess Saraswati to attain enlightenment through knowledge and to rid themselves of lethargy, sluggishness and ignorance.
Basant Panchami is a significant festival in India, and it is a time to come together and celebrate with friends and family. The festival has a long history and tradition, and it is an important part of the Hindu calendar. The significance of Basant Panchami is deeply rooted in its vibrant colours and textures. Yellow, the festival's most prominent hue, symbolizes knowledge, creativity, and music. It serves as a reminder of the blooming mustard fields that herald the arrival of spring. For everyone including farmers and musicians it is a special day to start anew with the arrival of new harvest bringing in a new hope ! The color of this festival is “Yellow” symbolizing the yellow color of flowers and farms of northern India.
Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande sings "fagawa Brij dekhan ko chalo ri"
On the day of Vasant Panchmi, musicians start the music by singing Basant Raag. For me Basant is a true pleasurable raag especially with the bandishes like “Fagawa Brij dekhan ko chalo ri” and my favorite one ” Aur raag sab bane baaraati, Dulha raag Basant ” . In this later bandish , Basant is described as a young groom that is about to get married and all other “Raags” have arrived at this festive celebration.
“ और राग सब बने बाराती , दुल्हा राग बसंत
मदन महोत्सव आज सखी री , अब बिदा भयो हेमंत
सहचर गान करत ऊंचे स्वर कोकिल बोले हसंत
गावत नारी पंचम उंचे स्वर , ऐसो हि प्रिय कंत
क्रीष्णदास स्वामीनी बड्यो भागनी मिल्यो है भामा को कंत ”
Here is the link to this traditional melodious Basant performed live by evergreen Pt Jasraj accompanied by Gaargi Siddhanta on vocal support , Appa Jalgavkar on Harmonium , young Vijay Ghate on Tabla and Kala Ramnath on violins.
History of Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami holds a rich history steeped in mythology and legends. One tale revolves around the renowned poet Kalidasa, who, in a moment of despair, contemplated suicide upon learning of his wife's departure. However, his fate took a remarkable turn when the goddess Saraswati emerged from a river and urged him to bathe in its waters. This transformative experience granted Kalidasa profound insight and transformed him into a gifted poet.
A captivating story is associated with Kama, the Hindu god of love. In his attempt to awaken Lord Shiva from a deep meditation following the loss of his wife Sati, Kama interrupted the divine trance. The seers intervened, urging Kama to rouse Shiva, allowing him to reconnect with the outside world and acknowledge Maa Parvati's unwavering devotion. In response, Kama shot flowers and beeswax arrows at Shiva using his sugarcane bow. However, his actions angered Lord Shiva, who opened his third eye and reduced Kama to ashes. In a compassionate gesture, Shiva promised to resurrect Kama's wife, Rati, after her 40 days of penance. This legend holds a special place in the Ramayana, as it is believed that Shiva fulfilled his promise and revived Rati after her rigorous penance.
Traditionally, young men and women have been gathering together on "Vasant Panchami" for rendezvous. Singing songs and meeting their partners. This might find a similarity to an analogous festival of Valentine Day in the west. In this year 2024, the western and eastern calendars have the Valentines Day and Vasant Panchami on the same day, February 14th! It is aptly a celebration of Love, new beginnings and Spring ... all over the world!