Kathmandu, Jan 26 : Shree Panchami also known as Basanta Panchami is being celebrated today across the country by worshipping Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning, art, music and culture.
The day is very special for
students and new learners. Students take early bath, observe the mass Saraswati
Puja in schools, visit temples and listen to Basanta Shrawan.
Many educational institutions
arrange special prayers or pujas in the morning to seek blessing of the
goddess. Poetic and musical gatherings are held in some communities in
reverence of Saraswati.
Many families mark this day by
sitting with young children, encouraging them to write their first words with
their fingers, while some just study or create music together.
Goddess Saraswati is worshiped with
various names such as Bharati, Sharada, Jagatmata, Bageshwari, Kaumari,
Baradayani and Kamdhenu.
People from Hindu and Sikh
communities, mainly in Nepal and eastern India, observe this festival.
It is believed that the festival
marks the beginning of the spring season.
Meanwhile, the Basanta Shrawan
ritual is to be organized at Nasalchowk of Hanumandhoka in the capital at 10.47
am on Thursday. According to the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti
(Calendar Determination Committee), the ritual event is to be held at
Nasalchowk at the auspicious time of 10.47 am this morning.
President Bidya Devi Bhandari is
scheduled to attend the Basanta Shrawan ritual, Chief of Hanumandhoka Palace
Management and Conservation Committee, Sandeep Khanal told RSS.
Also present on the occasion would
be the Vice-President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers,
members of parliament, constitutional bodies chiefs and members and province
assembly members, among others.
All necessary preparation for the
event has been made, the office shared.