Chinmaya Mission Bal Vihar 10 February 2008 VASANT

Chinmaya Mission- Bal Vihar 10 February 2008 VASANT PANCHAMI

maho arnah sarasvati prachetayati ketuna| dhiyo vishvaa viraajati || “Vast is the ocean of Divine Knowledge, That illuminates the Universe, And brightens every pious thought” Rigveda 1. 3. 12 2

VASANT PANCHAMI – WHEN IS IT CELEBRATED? � In the fifth day (‘PANCHAMI’) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of ‘Magha’ (January-February) of the Hindu Calendar � VASANT = ‘Spring’, and ‘Yellow’ VASANT PANCHAMI marks the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring in most parts of India and neighboring countries.

VASANT PANCHAMI – WHO DO WE WORSHIP? On this day, Brahma-ji created Devi Saraswati to remove ignorance and to make human beings wise. She was given four hands for mind, intellect, ego and alertness. Therefore, we worship Mother Saraswati – the Devi of wisdom, arts, education, discrimination Children are taught their first letters We also worship ‘Surya’ (Sun) and Ma Ganga (Ganges River) especially in northern India to thank them for providing life giving energy and water

WHAT DOES MA SARASWATI REPRESENT? OBJECT SIGNIFICANCE WHITE SWAN White represents purity (sattva-guna). Swan represents ‘viveka’, or the ability to make right choices, and discriminate good from evil. It also represents the Soul. VEENA (Stringed instrument) being played by her Represents ‘speech’, music, arts, beauty. With speech or language, we cannot learn anything. JAPAMALA: Rosary of Beads in Her hand Represent the power and energy of letters (biijaakshara), and also faith and devotion VEDAS: Revealed Hindu scriptures in Her hand Four Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda) – the source of all knowledge and wisdom. Lotus flowers (Padma, Pankaj, Kamal) Represent Creation. And also the ability to remain pure in this world full of evil.

VASANT PANCHAMIHISTORICAL FACTS Lord Krishna worshipped Mother Saraswati this day and became a master of ‘Shodashakala’ (16 arts) Dramas of Kalidasa and other famous dramatists were played for audiences this day Musicians, poets, dancers, artists organized celebrations and functions on this day to worship Devi Saraswati Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya innaugarated Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalaya at Varanasi

VASANT PANCHAMIHOW IS IT CELEBRATED -1 Children are taught their first letters (especially in Bengal, Assam, Orissa, Bihar, Kerala etc). They are given a pen or a chalk to write the first letter. Big celebrations are held in Shantiniketan (a University in West Bengal) Books are placed before murtis of Devi Saraswati for her blessings They start with worshipping Saraswati, burning incense, applying ‘tilak’ of sandalwood paste Brahmins are fed and honored and homage paid to ancestors (Pitr-tarpana)

VASANT PANCHAMI – HOW IS IT CELEBRATED - 2 People wear yellow clothes They make yellow garlands and offer it to Devi-Devatas and to guests Sweet-meats (deserts) are made yellow by adding saffron YELLOW REPRESENTS: Spirituality, Prosperity, Energy. Many of our Deities wear yellow clothes (‘pitamambara’). Hindu Sadhus also wear ‘saffron’ (yellow-orange) robes. In northern India, miles and miles of farmlands turn yellow from Mustard blooms

VASANT PANCHAMI – HOW IS IT CELEBRATED -3 In northern India and Pakistan, Kite Flying contests are held – In memory of Hakikat Rai Puri of Sialkot People eat saffronrice, suuji-halwa with saffron in it, have musical functions, wear marigold garlands