Basant Panchami, Sri Panchami: Thursday, January 26 (Restricted Holiday) 2023
Basant Panchami, also known as Sri Panchami, is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magh. This year, Basant Panchami falls on Thursday, January 26, and is a restricted holiday in certain parts of India.
What is Basant Panchami?
Basant Panchami is a festival that is celebrated to honor the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, Saraswati. It is a day to seek blessings from the goddess and to celebrate the arrival of spring. The festival is marked by the wearing of yellow clothes, the offering of yellow flowers and sweets to the goddess, and the playing of traditional music.
Why is Basant Panchami celebrated on January 26?
Basant Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magh, which usually falls in late January or early February. The date of the festival is determined by the lunar calendar and may vary from year to year.
What is a restricted holiday?
A restricted holiday is a holiday that is not a public holiday for all employees. It is a holiday that is only applicable to certain employees, such as those who work in specific industries or organizations. In the case of Basant Panchami, it is a public holiday in certain states of India, but it is only a restricted holiday for employees in other states.
How is Basant Panchami celebrated?
Basant Panchami is celebrated in a number of ways, including the wearing of yellow clothes, the offering of yellow flowers and sweets to the goddess Saraswati, and the playing of traditional music. People also visit temples to seek blessings from the goddess and participate in cultural programs and events.
One of the most important rituals of Basant Panchami is the offering of special prayers and pujas to the goddess Saraswati. In some parts of India, people also fly kites as a symbol of freedom and joy. The festival is a time of celebration and renewal, and is an important part of the cultural and spiritual traditions of Hindus.