Today is Vasant Panchami – the ritualistic passing from winter to spring in India. This day is celebrated as Saraswati Puja in Bengal, Orissa and various other parts of India. Delhi NCR being a melting pot of cultures, Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, music and arts is worshipped in various temples, schools, community centres and households. Saraswati Puja in Delhi is indeed getting popular.

Saraswati idols in clay are available in the markets at Chittaranjan Park and homes of various potters across the city. The Goddess holds a veena in her hands and is accompanied by her vehicle – the swan. The rituals are completed in the morning on Vasant Panchami or Sri Panchami. Men, women and specially children, clad in yellow kurtas / saris, assemble at the puja venue and worship the Goddess. Students keep their books at the feet of the deity to obtain her blessings. The puja is followed by distribution of prasad that comprises fruits and sweets. This is followed by lunch called bhog which has been consecrated during the worship. The menu is vegetarian – khichudi, mixed vegetables, chutney and rice pudding called payesh. Saraswati Puja bhog is very sought after among devotees and even food enthusiasts.

The evenings are spent in cultural programs at stages erected at the puja area. Children recite poetry and participate in group songs and dances. The adults also perform songs, dances or enact a theatre perhaps. Over time quiz, band music and antaksharis have made way into cultural festivals during the occasion.

To signify the invocation of spring, gulal and buds of polash (flame of the forest) flowers are offered to the Goddess. We at Delhi-Fun-Dos take enormous pleasure in celebrating all festivals that we have access to. Here is wishing all our readers a very happy Saraswati Puja and Vasant Panchami – may the spring bring more colour to our lives.