Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami is the Hindu festival that welcomes spring. It falls in the Hindu lunar month of Magh (January/February). It’s also the time to pay tribute to Saraswati, the Goddess of Wisdom.

Who celebrates?

Hindus around the world.

How do people celebrate?

• The day is represented by the colour yellow to symbolize peace, prosperity, energy and optimism
• People attend processions, wear yellow clothes and celebrate with foods such as Dahi Chura
• In India many people fly kites to celebrate Vasant Panchami.

What should I know?

• The goddess Saraswati, who is said to be the deity of learning, music and art was born on this day and people worship her to achieve wisdom
• She is usually portrayed with four hands to represent four aspects of the human intellect
• In the 2011 census 1.5% of the UK identified as Hindu – there are roughly 1.1 billion Hindus worldwide.

How can I support others?

• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating
• Do not assume that if someone is celebrating that they are Hindu
• Encourage celebrations internally and externally
• Talk to your team about the religious representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area

Dahi Chura recipe: https://mildlyindian.com/dahi-chura-sweet-yogurt-riceflakes/

Asian Voice: UK celebrations: https://www.asian-voice.com/Community/Britain-celebrates-Basant-Panchami-with-much-pomp-and-gaiety

The Importance of Vasant Panchami: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GX27LyoLKlA

Times India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/how-basant-panchami-is-celebrated-and-the-significance-of-food-in-the-festival/photostory/67913945.cms?picid=67913952