Shree Panchasmi also known as Basanta Panchami or Saraswoti Puja, was observed across the country by worshipping Saraswoti, the Goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning, art, music and culture, on Monday.

The festival is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the bright half of the Nepali month of Magh. People from the Hindu and Sikh communities mainly in Nepal and eastern India observe this festival. The festival is taken as the symbol of an advent of the spring season as plants start sprouting, winter crops like barley and wheat plants and plum, pear and peach tress start yielding and many flowering plants start blooming with this.

The day is very special for students and new learners. Students take early bath, observe the mass Saraswoti Puja in schools and visit temples and listen to the Basanta Shrawran. Goddess Saraswoti is worshiped with various names such as Sharada, Bageshwori, Kaumari, Baradayani, Kamdhenu, Jagatmata, and Bharati.

The festival is considered as the best day of starting something new in human life and make commitment to good causes.