India celebrates Basant Panchami

Allahabad/ Kolkata, Jan 28 (ANI): Devotees across the country celebrated 'Basant Panchami' on Saturday with full enthusiasm as the colour yellow filled the air and welcomed the onset of spring on the fifth day of the lunar month of 'Magh'.

The festival glorifies goddess Saraswati, patron of knowledge, music and the arts.Saraswati Puja' is a festive day for students of all disciplines, special worship ceremonies to honour the goddess 'Saraswati' are put together at various places in India.

In Allahabad residents, including students, worshipped goddess Saraswati, with devotion, and took a holy dip in the River Ganga.

"It is believed that 'Saraswati' was born today and we know that the 'Prayag' is the place where all the three rivers meet. Today, Saraswati River might have diminished but when we take a holy dip in the river here, we believe that it would increase our knowledge and wisdom and this is why we have come here today," said Shubham Kumar, a student.

In Kolkata, devotees worshipped the goddess offering sweets, white flowers and placing books near the idol of the goddess as well as chanted hymns.

The festival concurs with 'Vasant Panchami', which is also named as 'Shree Panchami'. Women dress in yellow, which is the colour of spring, and prepare a variety of sweets flavoured with saffron. (ANI)