Alisha from Nepal

Saraswati Puja (Basanta Panchami)

Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, according to our culture. Every year we celebrate saraswati puja to show respect for the goddess saraswati. During this day different school and collages hold different programs. Students worship their pen, copies and books. Saraswati puja is also known as Basanta Panchami. Children in between the ages of 5 to 7 are made to utter their first alphabet on the auspicious Basant Panchami day. This festival is celebrated on the Nepali month of Magh. Basanta Panchami is also celebrated to welcome spring. During Saraswati puja our school holds a program called ‘pathshala Sanjh’. During this day we perform different items like dancing, singing, drama and many more. I usually recite poem on the show. Not only in my school but the every schools of entire Nepal celebrates Sarasawti Puja.They hold different programs and parties. They invite the people of non education field as well. Some schools organize picnic and other entertainment program. On this day many cultural and educational programs like poem recitation, quiz contest, debate contest, etc. In practice most of the schools have a tiny temple of Saraswati (goddess of wisdom) in the front. Hence in other part, this is the day of initiation of spring season called ‘Basanta Panchami’. As per the Nepalese tradition the good things of spring is to be heard by the president. There will be the celebration of Basanta Panchami in Kathmandu durbar square. So, this day is very important in Nepalese calendar.