Shree Panchami being celebrated across the nation

The country is observing Shree Panchami, also known as Basanta Panchami today. The Shree Panchami is celebrated worshipping Saraswati – the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning, art, music and culture. It is believed that the festival marks the beginning of the spring season.

Several educational institutions organize special program ‘Saraswati Puja’ in the morning at their premises to seek blessing of the goddess.  In addition, some communities perform poetic and musical gatherings with regards to respect of goddess Saraswati. Goddess Saraswati is worshiped with various names such as Bharati, Sharada, Jagatmata, Bageshwari, Kaumari, Baradayani and Kamadhenu.

The day is believed to be very special for students and new learners. Many families encourage their small children to write their first alphabets/words.

In the meantime, the Basanta Shrawan ritual is being organized at Nasalchowk of Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu at an auspicious time of 10.47 am Thursday, according to the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari is scheduled to attend the Basanta Shrawan ritual along with the Vice-President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, members of parliament, chiefs as well as members of constitutional bodies and province assembly members.