~ Hindu Festivals ~

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Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya, which falls on the third day of the bright half of the pan Indian lunar month of Vaishakha of the traditional Hindu calendar, is one of the most important days of the year for the Hindus. Also known as Akha Teej or Navanna Parvam, it's in the month of late April or early May that Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated; a time when both sun and moon are in exalted positions and at their brightest best. Akshaya is a Sanskrit word meaning never diminishing or inexhaustible; the festival puts forth a belief, a belief in the almighty, that any undertaking any meaningful venture or good deed will bring back more of the same to the devotee in terms of success and prosperity, that will not diminish as time passes by. Buying and wearing jewelry made of gold is an important aspect of the day and is known to invite Devi Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth into the households.

It is on this day that people conduct special Pujas, bathe in holy rivers, make charity, and offer barley to the burning fire. There's also a tradition to sprinkle Tulsi water onto the idols of Gods while performing the aarti. It's the various mythological legends and traditions that have been carried forward for millenniums that lend more weightage to all of the above set of beliefs and more. Various Hindu deities like Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and Devi Laxmi are worshipped on the day for different reasons. Lord Ganesha is worshipped before setting sails for any new venture or deed, Lord Krishna is worshipped for Salvation, Lord Shiva is worshipped for health and good luck, and Goddess Laxmi is worshipped for wealth. Jains, who observe a yearlong fast on an alternate day basis, end it on this day with sugarcane juice. Browse through the sections to know more about the festival of Akshaya Tritiya.

Akshay Tritiya 2012: April 24

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Akshaya Tritiya Celebrations

Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most auspicious days in the Indian calendar and Indians celebrate it with much reverence. The word Akshaya, originating from Sanskrit, refers to one that continues forever and Tritiya is the Sanskrit word for third. The day is celebrated across the country on the third lunar day of Bright Half in the Hindu month of Vaishakha. India is a diversified country where diversity can be seen not only geographically but also culturally, and when it comes to celebrating Akshaya Tritiya, diversity is present in terms of beliefs, traditions and customs. At some places it is seen as the day when Lord Ganesha started to write the great epic Mahabharata to Ved Vyas's dictation. Known as the day when Treta Yuga (second Yuga according to Hindu mythology) began, this day is also believed to be the birthday of the sixth Avatar of Lord Vishnu, Sage Parashurama. Many others believe that in Dwapar Yuga (third of the four Yugas), Lord Krishna was gifted beaten rice (Poha) by his poor childhood friend Sudama in Dwarka on this very day. This diversity in beliefs leads to diversity in ways of looking at its significance, and activities and celebration patterns also vary accordingly.

Akshaya Tritiya Celebrations in India

North India
In Northern India, the day is majorly celebrated as the birthday of Sage Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On this auspicious day, people make many kinds of charities which

include Jala Daanama, Vastra Daanama, Shayana Daanama, Chandana Daanama, Padaraksha, Chatra Daanama, Naarikela Daanama, Udakumbha Daanama, etc. They take dips in the holy river Ganges in order to wash off their sins. It is also a day to begin Yatras as it is believed that anything starting on Akshaya Tritiya definitely bears fruit and brings success; many Yatras to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Char Dhaam and other pilgrims starts on this day. The day is also considered auspicious for marriages and you will see many people tying knots on this day. Offering barley in fire and performing yagya are also common trends of Akshaya Tritiya celebration in North India.

South India
In South India, the day is celebrated with full enthusiasm considering Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi Kubera as the primary gods. On this day, Maha Vishnu Pooja and Lakshmi Kubera Homa are held, and charity in terms of offering food and clothing to poor and needy also go hand in hand. South Indians visit many temples like Tirupati Temple, Meenakshi Temple and Thousand Pillar Temple, etc. on this day for purity of their hearts and souls.

Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, the day is considered favorable to tie knots among couples and child marriages can still be seen taking place in many places. In places like Bikaner, people celebrate it by flying kites throughout the day.

Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, this day marks the end of the women-oriented Haldi Kumkum festival. On this day, married women organize get-togethers at their homes and invite other women, relatives and new acquaintances to be a part of the festivities. The hostess distributes nuts, coconuts, sweets, bangles, flowers, betel leaves and other things to the female guests and the lavishly prepared snacks include Vatli Dal and Kairiche Panhe (raw mango juice). The day is considered auspicious to start new ventures.

West Bengal
In order to pay tribute to this belief, people of West Bengal start new audit books called Halkhata after worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha with the expectation of
earning higher profits in their business. Many of them visit temples and also perform Satya Narayana Katha at their homes. Taking dips in sacred rivers is also a custom being practiced by Bengalis since ages.

Orissa
In Orissa, rural Oriya people celebrate it by worshipping Mother Earth. It is a ceremony called Muthi Chhuan or Muthi Anukula in which farmers go to their farms in new dresses, worship Mother Earth and plough and sow seeds in their farms. In urban areas of Orissa, the day is considered best for the purchase of gold and silver. The day is also considered significant in Orissa as the 42 days long Chandan Yatra begins on this day and chariot-making for famous Rath Yatra of Puri also commences on the same day. The tradition of making chariot for Puri Rath Yatra is well known as Rath Anukula.

The day is again of great importance for people belonging to the Jat community. As a custom, a male member of the family goes to the farm with a shovel as the sun starts to rise. It is believed that animals and birds encountered on the way are the omens which give directions and messages about predictions of rains and crops. The day is also known as Unboojha Muhurta for weddings and many mass marriage ceremonies can be seen taking place on this day in Jat communities.

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Akshaya Tritiya Date

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is one of the most auspicious days for Hindus and Jains and they celebrate it with much vigor and reverence. It's a special occasion that happens once every year whereby the Sun and the Moon are in exalted positions, at the peak of their brightness, which usually happens in the month of late April to early May on the Third (Tithi) of Bright Half of the pan Indian month of Vaishakha according to the traditional Hindu calendar. Derived from the Sanskrit word Akshaya, which means never diminishing, imperishable, and eternal, the day is believed to bring in good luck and success. However, it's the Akshaya Tritiya which falls on a Rohini Star Monday that is considered the most propitious. It's also believed that sacred deeds (Punya Karya) performed on this day never go unnoticed and that starting a new venture or investing in valuables like gold and diamonds doesn't end without fruitful rewards.

There are many mythological legends that are attached to the day. One legend has it that it was on this day that Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu: the Preserver God in the Hindu Trinity was born. According to another legend, it was on this very day, that the Treta Yug began and the sacred river Ganges descended from heaven onto the earth. Lord Ganesha, the obstacle-remover, started writing the epic Mahabharata to Rishi Ved Vyasa's dictation on this day. And then there's the most famous of Hindu mythological legend, according to which, Sudama: a poor Brahmin friend of Lord Krishna was treated like a king, when the former came to the latter to seek some financial help. Upon his return, Sudama found that not only had his old hut been transformed into a palace, but found his whole family dressed up in royal clothing.

On this day, people conduct special Pujas (worship rituals), bathe in holy rivers, make a charity or donation, offer eatables to the burning fire, and worship various Hindu deities. Praying to Lord Ganesha before starting any new venture on this day is believed to remove any incoming obstacles or hurdles. Devotees also pray to Lord Shiva for health, marriage, and saubhagya (good luck); Lord Krishna for moksha (salvation); and Devi Laxmi for wealth. They specifically wear gold and other jewelry on this day to invite Devi Laxmi into the house; charity in the form of rice, ghee, salt, sugar, vegetables, tamarind, fruit, clothes, and money is done by many people. Being an important festival for the Jain community as well, people who observe a year long fasting on alternative days finish their Tapasya on this day with sugarcane juice. In 2012, Akshaya Tritiya is on the 24th of April.

Akshay Tritiya in 2012: 24th April 2012

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Akshaya Tritiya Legend

The festival of Akshaya Tritiya, which is deemed as one of the most important for Hindus and Jains, is considered to be a promising occasion to start off any new venture or to invest in shares, gold and other jewelry. Because it is believed that doing so ends in fruitful outcomes: successful and prosperity. Firstly, because on this day and night, the Sun and the Moon are at their radiant best, which astrologically is considered an auspicious occasion, and secondly, because there are many legends or mythological stories running along the festival, lending it its significance makes it quite an awaited event according to the Hindu calendar. Falling on the third (tithi) of bright half of the pan Indian month of Vaishakha, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated with much dedication and reverence. On this day, people observe fasts, indulge in charity, and pray to various Hindu deities for different reasons. But above everything, it's the legends behind the festival that once again are remembered and a tribute, in deeds and in silence worship is offered to the mythological figures associated with the festival of Akshaya Tritiya.

Akshaya Tritiya Legends & Stories

Lord Parashurama Legend
On the same day as Akshaya Tritiya, Parashurama Jayanti is also observed in several parts of the country, as legend has it that it was on this day that Lord Parashurama was born. In Hindu mythology, he is known to be the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu: the Preserver God in the Hindu trinity. According to the puranic scriptures, Lord Parashurama recaptured the land from the sea.

The Mahabharata Connection
According to this legend, it was on the day of Akshaya Tritiya that under Ved Vyasa's dictation, Lord Ganesha started writing the great epic Mahabharata. Even in the epic, Lord Krishna presented the Pandavas, during their exile, with an Akshaya Patra, a bowl that never went empty and provided with an unlimited supply of food on demand.

Krishna Sudama Legend
According to this legend, on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, a childhood friend of Lord Krishna named Sudama came to his palace seeking for some financial aid, with only a handful of rice to offer. Lord Krishna followed this age old Hindu principle of Athithi Devo Bhava (Guest is like God) and treated Sudama nothing less than a king. Taken aback and overwhelmed by the treatment, Sudama couldn't ask for any help but when he returned home, he found his old hut transformed into a palace and received much more than he could have ever asked for from Lord Krishna.

Annapurna's Birth
It is believed, it was on this day that the Goddess of food known as Annapurna, a special avatar of Goddess Parvati, who feeds the hungry, was born. When Lord Shiva, disguised as a beggar, (representing all beggars) went to the Goddess, asking for food, it's said that Goddess Annapurna fed Lord Shiva herself.

Kubera's Appointment
As per the Hindu mythology, Kubera, known to be a banker in heaven, received all his wealth on the day of Akshaya Tritiya by worshipping the Lord Shiva in the temple at Sivapuram. And it was on this day that Lord Shiva blessed Goddess Laxmi with all the riches and made Kubera and Laxmi the custodians of wealth and prosperity.

Sacred Ganges Legend
As per this legend, it was on the day of Akshaya Tritiya that the sacred river Ganges descended from heaven onto the earth.

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Akshaya Tritiya Rituals

Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej, also known as Navanna Parvam, is celebrated with full enthusiasm amongst the Jain and Hindu people on the third Tithi (Lunar day) of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of the traditional Hindu month of Vaishakha. Astrologically, the day depicts unique planetary positions of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter, as all three of them unanimously come together in Mrigshira Nakshatra. The brightest level of glow of the Sun and Moon exhibits auspiciousness of the day. "Akshya", which is a Sanskrit word, literally means one that never diminishes or ends. The day is believed to bring success and good fortune, and it is considered that one doesn't need to seek shubh muhurta on this day to start something good as the whole day is appropriate to start new ventures. Purchasing of long-term assets like gold, silver, diamonds, including other precious stones and real estate on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya is also considered lucky.

Believed to be the beginning of the Treta Yuga, this day is considered auspicious in Hinduism and Jainism for various reasons. According to Hindu mythology, the day is traditionally celebrated as the birthday of the Indian sage Parashurama, the sixth incarnation (avatar) of Lord Vishnu. Akshaya Tritiya was the day when Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of Wisdom, started writing the epic Mahabharata to Ved Vyas's dictation. Hindus believe that on this day in Dwapar Yuga, a handful of beaten rice (poha) was gifted by the poor Brahmin Sudama to his childhood friend Lord Krishna in Dwarka as a token of love and friendship. Mahabharata excerpts that the Pandavas received the 'Akshya Pathram' (bowl) from Lord Krishna on this day. The day is of utmost importance for the Jains too, as the first Tirthankara of Jains, Rishabhadeva, ended his yea -long fast on this very day by taking the juice of sugar cane.

Traditions of Akshaya Tritiya

Gaja Pooja
This Pooja is referred to as "Gaja Dhanaakarshana pooja". To elaborate, Gaja stands for elephant, Dhan stands for wealth and prosperity, aakarshan stands for attraction and pooja stands for worship. This means Gaja pooja aims at worshipping the elephant to attract and sustain wealth and prosperity in one's life and in society. At the inception, the elephant is cleaned with pure water, dressed and decorated properly. Various mantras and chants are uttered by Vedic priests while the idol of an elephant is offered light, incense, flowers and food.

Ashwa Pooja
Master of Ashwa (horse) is planet Mars, which represents command and energy. The main ingredient of mental peace and positivity is the flow of positive energy and command over life. To gain this, Ashwa Pooja takes place, and in this pooja, Ashwa is treated as a king and after cleaning and decorating it, pooja is offered.

Go Pooja
Kind, calm, love and feeling of ever giving are the characteristics of a cow (Go). To attain these qualities in one's life and in family, Go Pooja is celebrated. While conducting this ritual, the cow and her calf/calves are cleaned, dressed and decorated first and then the pooja is offered in an appropriate way.

Sundara Mahalakshmi Grand 9 Priest Homa
This ritual is of utmost importance and is celebrated with grandeur to praise goddess Maa Sundara Mahalakshmi who, in her form, exhibits all 64 incarnations of the Goddess. It is conducted by nine priests who chant 1008 names of Goddess Lakshmi. This grand ritual takes place in two phases; the first phase begins at 7:30 AM and lasts till 1:30 PM and the second phase begins at 4:30 PM and ends at 8:30 PM.

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Akshaya Tritiya Significance

Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most significant days, both, according to the Hindu calendar and mythology. Calendar wise (traditional Hindu), it falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakha (late April - early May), when the sun and the moon are in exalted positions and at the peak of their brightness. Such a phenomenon happens only once a year and is astrologically considered the perfect time to start any meaningful endeavor. And per various mythological legends that are linked to the day, it proved to be nothing but fruitful to many: sacred river Ganga descended onto the earth from heaven, Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Shiva being born, Pandavas getting unlimited supply of food from the Akshaya Patra, and Sudama getting blessed by Lord Krishna more than he could have asked for; all happened on this day.

Even according to the Sanskrit meaning of the word Akshaya: imperishable or never diminishing, the fruits that are borne on this day, keep on multiplying. It's precisely because of this reason and another, according to which the day is ruled by the Preserver God Vishnu, that any venture: be it a business or any personal quest for self improvement; gets fulfilled positively. Lord Vishnu sees the intention and preserves what has been started, in the long run. On this day, people buy and wear gold: an ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity, which is believed to invite the Goddess of wealth, Laxmi, into the households. It's even considered an auspicious time to make long term purchases in the form of gold or silver, real estate, diamonds and other precious stones, and shares and bonds.

Doing charity is one of the important aspects of Akshaya Tritiya and it's believed that specific items donated on this day like land, gold, umbrellas, hand fans, cool refreshing drinks and activities like feeding the poor, feeding the cow and calf, bring in blessings from the above. Blessing the money or the material, mentioned above or any other, to be given out on this day multiplies many times over. Another significant aspect of this is the worship of Goddess Laxmi with gold coins and other items kept in the Puja (ritualistic worship) makes the wealth accumulate all through the year. Also, bathing in the holy rivers, especially Ganga and Yamuna, charity in the form of giving out rice, wheat, ghee, salt, fruits, vegetables, tamarind, and clothes and remembering the departed ancestors is believed to do much good to the devotees. Irrespective of what section of the society does one belong to, the festival of Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated in all the parts of the country.

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Baisakhi Customs

The harvest festival of Baisakhi is celebrated with pomp and gaiety across the vibrant state of Punjab. It falls on the first day of the Indian calendar month, Vaishakh, which is usually April 13. Apart from being a harvest festival, it holds a special significance in the Sikh community, because it commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa (pure) order for the Sikhs. In Punjab, major activities are concentrated on the prayers conducted in Gurudwaras - the Sikh place of worship. Apart from prayers in Gurudwara, Baisakhi is celebrated as an energetic festival in the open fields of Punjab, with the colorful performances of gidda and bhangra dancers. Learn more about the customs associated with the celebration of Baisakhi, in the article.

Baisakhi Rituals
On the occasion of Baisakhi, all the gurudwaras across India hold prayer meetings. Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book of Sikhs, is ceremonially taken out, symbolically bathed with milk and water and placed on its throne. The book is then read out to the congregation of the gurudwara. Thereafter, the five priests (panch pyare) chant verses from the Holy Book. After chanting of the verses, Amrita (holy nectar), prepared in an iron vessel, is distributed among the devotees. The devotees sip the amrita five time and take a vow to work for fellowship - the Khalsa Panth.

Religious songs (kirtans) are sung after the amrita is sipped by the devotees. Later, Guru Granth Sahib is taken out in a procession, symbolizing the journey made by the five fearless devotees from their homes to Anandpur, to be baptized by Guru Gobind Singh. Traditional Punjabi folk dances - the Gidda and Bhangra - and mock duels are performed during the procession. The parade is typically Punjabi, with colorful drummers, bands playing religious tunes, people singing holy songs, and men swinging swords.

Loud Sikh chants such as 'Bole so nihal!' 'Deg teg fateh!' and rhythmic chants of 'Sat nam' and 'Wahe guru' ring out from the middle of the singing and drumming. Some men may wear the headgear (bana) of Guru Nanak, while others that of Guru Gobind Singh. At noon, the Karah Prasad or sweetened semolina is offered to the Guru to seek his blessings. Thereafter, the Prasad is distributed among the devotees gathered at the congregation. The ceremony culminates with a special guru-ka-lanmgar or the community lunch. People sit down in rows, with their heads covered, as volunteers serve them with vegetarian meal.

The farmers in Punjab celebrate Baisakhi with fun and fervor, as it is their harvest festival. The energetic performance of bhangra and gidda dance fills the atmosphere with the festive spirit, which is reflected from the eyes of the people. Women clad themselves in their traditional gidda dress, while men wear the customary attire for bhangra. They dance to the beat of dhol, in a very joyful atmosphere. The lush green farms, with fruits, pulses and vegetables ready to be harvested, set the backdrop for the vibrant festival of Baisakhi, in Punjab.

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Baisakhi Legends

Legends are associated with a number of festivals celebrated in India. Since agriculture is the backbone of India - it provides livelihood to majority of the people in the rural areas of the country - the festival of harvest are given special importance in the calendar of events. Baisakhi is one of the important festivals celebrated with fun and fervor by the people living in the northern parts of the country. Apart from being a harvest festival, it holds religious significance too. A number of legends that revolve around Guru Gobind Singh, their tenth Guru, are associated with Baisakhi. Explore the article to know about the legends of Baisakhi.

Legends Of Baisakhi Festival

Guru Granth Sahib
Sikhs celebrate Baisakhi as the day of the formation of the Sikh Khalsa, or brotherhood. On the day, in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh (the tenth Sikh guru) called on the Sikhs to sacrifice themselves for their community. Sikhism, in its present form, owes its existence to that Baisakhi day. After the Baisakhi Day of 1699, the tradition of Gurus was put to an end by the Sikhs, who, thereafter, declared the Guru Granth Sahib as their eternal guide and their Holy Book. Baisakhi also prepares the people of Punjab for the joy of the harvest season, which begins on the following day. It is a day of feasting and merriment before the hard, tiring but fruitful time ahead.

The Story Of Five Sikhs
The most famous Sikh stories revolve around Baisakhi. Guru Gobind Singh, standing outside a tent, called for five Sikhs to sacrifice themselves for the community. When the first volunteer stepped up, the guru took him into the tent, and reappeared alone, carrying a blood stained sword. This happened with the four other people who volunteered. Later, the Guru revealed that he had been smearing the sword with the blood of a dead animal, and all the five people were safe. This is, perhaps, the most interesting legend connected to Baisakhi.

Other Legends

According to the legend associated with Baisakhi, in 1567, Guru Ram Das committed Baisakhi as one of the special days, when all the Sikhs would assemble to seek the blessings from Guru at Goindwal.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj on Baisakhi, in 1875. Therefore, Baisakhi is as special for the Hindus, as it is for Sikhs.

Apart from the Sikhs and Hindus, Baisakhi is an important day for the Buddhists as well. On the day, Gautam Buddha achieved Nirvana in the town of Gaya, under the Mahabodhi tree.

Many Sikhs believe that on the day of Baisakhi, martyr zed by the barbaric acts of the Muslim rulers. According to the legend, he was dumped into boiling oil, by the Muslim rulers.

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Baisakhi Celebrations

India is a land of festivals and celebrations, umpteen numbers of festivals are celebrated in the country throughout the year. One of the major festivals amongst them is Baisakhi. Celebrated every year on 13th April, this festival is of immense significance amongst Hindu and Sikh community in the country. Hindus regard this day as the sacred day when Goddess Ganga descended on earth to serve mankind. It also marks the beginning of their new year. Amongst Sikhs, it is considered as the day when their 10th Guru Gobind Singhji laid the foundation of the sacred Khalsa Panth. The festival of Baisakhi is also an immense joyous occasion for farmers whose long awaited time of harvesting comes along with this festival.

Baisakhi is celebrated in different parts of India in a different manner; however one thing that remains the same is the zeal and enthusiasm of celebrations. The festival witnesses joyful celebrations throughout the country. The date of Baisakhi coincides with 'Rongali Bihu' in Assam, 'Naba Barsha' in Bengal, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and 'Pooram Vishu' in Kerala, more or less regional forms of the festival celebrated in order to mark the beginning of new harvesting season and new year. However, the lively Baisakhi of Punjab has a different appeal. People in this state celebrate this festival with exuberance and devotion.

As the festival is of great importance in the Sikh religion, major activities of this festival begin from Gurdwaras. People wake up early and take bath in the holy river to mark the auspicious occasion and visit the near by Gurudwaars for the special prayer meeting organized for the day. After the Baisakhi ardas is over, people gather together to receive specially prepared Kara Prasad. This Prasad is then followed by a ‘langar’ or community lunch at the Gurudwara. After the Langar is over, people come out with the Baisakhi procession under the leadership of Panj piaras. The procession roams all over the city singing religious songs and performing Bhangra and Gidda.

For the large farming community of the country, Baisakhi marks a New Year’s time as it is the season to harvest the rabi crop. On this occasion, the farmers of the country thank god for the plentiful crop and successful completion of their farming season. They also pray for good season ahead. They buy new clothes and feast along with their relatives and neighbors. The feast is accompanied by dancing and singing with the Nagara and Dhol music. At some places, a fair as well as wrestling bouts are organized to make the festival completely fun filled and enjoyable.

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Baisakhi Mela

India is land of festivals and unique traditions. People in this country celebrate any occasion with immense joy and elation. Baisakhi is one festival in the country which is celebrated with loud celebrations and merriment throughout the country. However, the zealous and vibrant celebrations in Punjab can’t be compared to the celebration at any other place in the country. One unique feature of the festical is the Baisakhi Mela (fair). One can explore the vivid and vibrant culture of the rural life of Punjab in such fairs. As most of the Punjab is a farming state, the farmers of the state happy with the harvest and the consequent prosperity make merry and participate in the Vaisakhi fair with joy and enthusiasm.

Baisakhi Mela in India
Baisakhi Fairs are tremendously popular in Punjab. It is one of the most awaited celebrations during the entire year. People from far off places come with their family and friends to take part in these colorful fairs. Most captivating features of these Vaisakhi Mela are the crazy bhangra and gidda performances. Other than this, you can also get to see activities like races, wrestling bouts, singing and acrobatics in the fair. Some rural folk artists with instruments like vanjli and algoza also entertain people.

Baisakhi Fairs are made more beautiful by the stalls of local handicrafts and items like bangles, toys, and other trinkets of domestic use. Food stalls selling scrumptious Punjabi dishes are also the key crowd-puller in the Mela. Baisakhi Fairs at the Talwandi Sabo is famous for its colorful celebrations all over the world. The popularity of the vibrant Baisakhi fair is not only limited to villages of Punjab, Baisakhi melas are equally awaited in the big cities and small towns of the other states in the country.

Baisakhi Fairs Around The World
With the migration of Punjabis all over the world, Vaisakhi fairs have also marked their presence in other countries of the world, where there is a significant Sikh population. This fair has now become almost a global occasion; thanks to the significant Sikh population spread every where in the world. In UK, the Baisakhi Fairs are organized with zest at Trafalgar Square in London. Liveliness and enthusiasm of these Baisakhi fairs pulls the people of various other communities, religion and ethnicity towards itself. Baisakhi celebrations in the city of Toronto, New York and New Jersey are also very popular. The participation of Bollywood stars and singers in the international Baisakhi Fairs makes this fair a glitzy and glamorous affair. Lively Bhangra and Gidda performances and the internationally acclaimed Punjabi cuisine are the major crowd pullers in the fair.

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Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami, also known as Shri Panchami, is a Hindu festival dedicated to goddess Saraswati. This popular festival is observed on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magh. Being an important Hindu festival, all Hindus celebrate this day with much enthusiasm and religious activities. Also known as Saraswati Puja, it is considered to be the birthday of goddess Saraswati. She is the deity of wisdom and learning. Along with goddess Parvati and Laxmi, she is one of the three most important deities in Hindu culture. She represents all kinds of knowledge including science, arts, crafts and other skills. Known for her calmness and serenity, she is often shown seated on a white lotus with four hands and wearing a pure silk white sari. The four hands of the deity symbolize the different sides of human personality in learning. When seated on a peacock, she signifies that wisdom suppresses ego.

On this day people observe various kinds of religious activities and large numbers of Hindus visit temples. Goddess Saraswati is dressed in yellow garments, yellow being the symbol of spiritual knowledge. People also dress up in yellow clothes and offer yellow flowers to deities in the temples. At homes people prepare yellow sweets and dishes such as Kesar Halwa and distribute among relatives and friends. Being an auspicious occasion, children are taught their first words, hence, marking the beginning of their learning period. Schools and colleges organize special pujas to worship goddess Saraswati. Students place their books at the deity's feet and seek her blessing for better learning. Other religious activities of the day include feeding Brahmans and performing the traditional ritual of ancestral worshipping known as Pitr-Tarpan. On this day, people also perform pujas to worship the God of Love, Kamadeva. Children fly kites on this day and a famous kite festival is observed in Ferozepur, Punjab. Basant Panchami symbolizes the beginning of spring, denoted by flowering and blooming of trees and crops. Signs of new and fresh life on trees and crops indicate the end of winter and beginning of happiness and joy.

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Basant Panchami & Goddess Saraswati

Basant Panchami is also denoted as Saraswati Puja by the Hindus in India. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of art, crafts and knowledge was born. She conferred upon humanity the greatest wealth that a human being can ever ask for, the gift of Knowledge. The Hindu mythology popularizes Goddess Saraswati as the immaculate power who bestows upon the worthy with the wealth of knowledge. The color white is associated with the goddess of knowledge as it is the symbol of peace and serenity. Images of goddess Saraswati with white adornments, sitting on a white lotus flower which blooms in a wide stretch of water are quite commonly seen on this day. Goddess Saraswati or Maa Saraswati, as called by the people of West Bengal, is worshipped on this auspicious day by the worshippers who are themselves clad in the color yellow, the color of spring. Prasad is offered to the goddess and later the same is distributed among the worshippers.

The popular festival is related to the goddess of knowledge; hence, children are initiated towards learning and gaining knowledge. This is significant because it is the birth day of goddess Saraswati. As the river Saraswati is associated with the goddess, rituals are performed on the banks of this holy river. Offerings are made but no sacrifices are conducted. Vegetarian food is cooked and had on this day and people abstain from non-vegetarian food. Goddess Saraswati is supposed to be the goddess of art, literature and speech too; hence, hymns are written and sung in praise of the goddess on Basant Panchami. Whenever a new teaching institution is started, goddess Saraswati is worshipped. A school is considered to be the temple of learning and hence, a temple of the goddess itself.

Schools and colleges organize special functions and cultural activities on this particular day and devote these to goddess Saraswati. Students offer a lot of flowers to the image of Saraswati. They keep all their study materials like books, articles, instruments of music and arts, earthen inkpots and bamboo quills in front of the deity. No one reads anything on this day; it is a way to show their reverence to the deity of knowledge. Most Hindu communities celebrate this festival with great pomp and show as this is the time of the year when goddess Saraswati is remembered by its followers.

[MysteRy]

Basant Panchami Celebrations

The festival of Basant Panchami is a widely celebrated festival which marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of arts and knowledge, is the presiding deity of the festival. The festival falls on the fifth day of the Indian month of Magh and in the months of January-February according to the Gregorian calendar. The color which denotes the celebration of this festival is yellow and during the entire season, the whole atmosphere is filled with this vibrant color. People wear yellow clothes and prepare yellow sweets which are distributed among their loved ones. The goddess of knowledge is worshipped especially by students and academicians. Though it is celebrated primarily by the Hindus, Jains and Buddhists worship her too as she is the benefactor of all written and performed arts.

Basant Panchami Rituals & Tradition

The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in all parts of India. On this auspicious day, the Hindus get up early in the morning and worship the Sun God after taking bath, if possible, in the sacred river Ganges. Then they clad themselves in yellow, as it signifies spirituality and prosperity. The color yellow also signifies the color of the ripened spring crop. Festive sweets are prepared at home using saffron, as it helps in deriving the color yellow. The goddess is dressed in yellow and the deity is worshipped by the worshippers who are dressed in yellow too. Later, swings are tied to the trees and women have fun singing traditional folk songs to greet the beautiful season of spring. After these rituals, sweets are distributed among the loved ones. The traditional sweet which goes along with the spirit of the festival is 'Kesar Halwa' and 'Sweet Rice' which are prepared with saffron to add yellow color to the preparation.

Schools and other teaching institutions organize cultural programs on this day, including the worshipping of goddess Saraswati. Along with these rituals, another important part of this festival is introducing children to the world of knowledge, hence marking a beginning to their learning phase. Floral designs are made in front porch of houses to signify the arrival of spring. Colorful kites are arranged by children and the sky gets filled with numerous kites on this auspicious day. Basant Panchami is about celebration and Hindus in India and around the world celebrate it with pomp and show.

[MysteRy]

Basant Panchami Date

Basant Panchami is a Hindu festival celebrated at the advent of spring. This festival is devoted to goddess Saraswati, who is the deity of knowledge, music and art. Also known as Shree Panchami, it marks the end of the winter season and beginning of spring. According to Hindu mythology, goddess Saraswati is the consort of Lord Brahma, the creator of the world. It is believed that the goddess was evoked by him during the construction of the world. Basant Panchami is celebrated as the day of the birth of goddess Saraswati. She represents all kinds of knowledge including science, arts and other skills. She is generally depicted as a picture of serenity and calmness, with her eyes reflecting compassion. One of her hand is shown holding sacred scriptures and the other one holding a lotus, which symbolizes true knowledge. There is a veena held by the other two hands, with which she is believed to play the music of love and life.

Hindus all over the world celebrate Basant Panchami with a lot of enthusiasm. It is the day where various kinds of religious activities take place. People wear yellow clothes and visit temples to offer prayers to the deities. They prepare yellow sweets and distribute them among family members and friends. On this auspicious occasion, also known as Pitr-Tarpan, they feed Brahmans and perform rituals for the liberation of their deceased ancestors. This day also witnesses some people worshipping Kamadeva, the God of Love. People choose this day to teach their children the first words of education, to mark the beginning of a glorious period of learning. Schools and colleges organize special worships for goddess Saraswati, where students pray for their bright future.

Students place their books and stationeries in front of the picture/idol of goddess Saraswati so that they get her blessings to perform well academically. After worshipping Ganesha and the nine planets, goddess Saraswati is worshipped. Yellow flowers, garlands and vermilions are offered to the deity and gulaal is applied to the feet of the goddess. Apart from seasonal fruits and boondiyas, Malpua and Kheer are also offered to the deity. Basant Panchami marks the end of the winter season and the advent of spring, which brings new life to the trees and flowers. Nature brings fresh new lives with new shoots and new blossoms. The yellow fields of mustards add to the fervor of the festival. On this special day, all the Saraswati temples are adorned with attractive decorations and observe various religious activities. According to the Hindu calendar, Basant Panchami falls on the fifth day of the month of Magh.

Basant Panchami Date: 28 January, 2012.

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Basant Panchami Kite Festival

The festival of Basant Panchami is celebrated to welcome the season of spring, a season when the earth replenishes itself. Spring also denotes pleasant weather, during which calm wind whistles in your ear and caresses your face with its light cool touch. It is the season when the weather is neither hot nor cold, when the wind has a cooling effect but not the kind to chill your bones. This kind of weather reminds you of a number of things including Basant Panchami, the primary festival of this season. It is one of the most colorful and wonderful festivals of this effervescent nation and is celebrated on the fifth day of the Indian month of Magh. The festival brings in a number of colors in the form of colorful attires. Being the color of spring, yellow gets into vogue as it also denotes prosperity, happiness, intellect and energy.

Flying kites is a sport much popular in India. In a clear and pleasant weather, you will see plenty of kites in the sky. Being a part of Basant Panchami, kite flying competitions take place during this festival. Fighter kites were designed in India and Pakistan for decades. Ferozepur, a small town in Punjab, is famous for this sport and a number of children including both girls and boys purchase kites and fly them. Popular among adults too, they get on to their building's terrace along with the children, play songs at high volume and dance with the rhythm while flying kites.

Basant Panchami Kite Flying

The event of kite flying is filled with a lot of enthusiasm and thrill. Both skilled and unskilled participants bring in their fancy colorful kites and the joy they receive when they cut their opponent's kite is a sight to cherish. With pomp and show the kites are flown and interesting kite fights take place thereafter. Children learn to fly kites from their elders, who themselves like flying them a lot. Kite fighting being the main attraction, people from around the world come to this place to experience the fun involved with this colorful festival. The kites are flown with the help of a string called 'Manjha'. There are a number of such competitions which are organized during the festival of Basant Panchami. The competition is always there to rule the sky and one has to keep his kite flying till the end to be the winner. There are judges too, some of whom decides which the most beautiful kite is while others decide which is the biggest. The festival brings with it colors in form of greenery and colorful kites.