Vasantha Panchami Celebrations Saraswathi Pooja (Samuhika Aksharabhayasam)

Sunday, February 2, 2025

 9:30 AM           Sri Saraswathi Homam

10:30 AM         Abhishekam for Devi Saraswathi

                          Ashtothara Archana, Mahamangala Aarati

First Session:

11:15 am           Ganapathi Pooja, Punyahavachanam,                                 Sankalpam, Saraswathi Pooja,                                             Aksharabhayasam

12:30 pm          Aarati, Prasadam, Aseervadam

Second Session:

 6:30 pm           Vishvaksena Pooja, Sankalpam,                                          Saraswathi Pooja, Aksharabhayasam  7:45                                Prakara Utsavam (Procession) of Devi Saraswathi (Utsava                                                   Murthi)       

8:20 pm           Aarati, Prasadam, Aseervadam

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Significance

Vasantha Panchami is considered as an auspicious day for the acquisition of knowledge in our Hindu calendar. This festival is celebrated on the Fifth day (Panchami) of the lunar month of Magha which typically falls during late January and February. The Sanskrit word “Vasantha” stands for “Spring Season”, and this festival marks the beginning of the spring season in many parts of the world.

Legends trace the birthday of Sri Saraswathi to Vasantha Panchami day. On this day, the goddess of knowledge Sri Saraswathi is worshipped by Hindus. Another significant aspect of Vasantha Panchami for Hindus is the observance of “Aksharabhayasam” On this day, parents lay the foundation for a successful beginning of education for their children. During this auspicious ceremony, the child is taught the “Writing Skills” for writing the alphabets.