Celebrated every year on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magh, the festival of Basant Panchami holds a special place in Indian culture. It is considered one of the most auspicious dates of the year in the scriptures. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, on this day alleviates life's hardships and fosters the development of knowledge, wisdom, and discernment. This is why Basant Panchami is considered special for students, teachers, and those associated with knowledge. Basant Panchami is also considered an auspicious date for auspicious ceremonies such as the Vidyarambh Sanskar, the Upanayana Sanskar, and marriage. According to tradition, young children are taught the alphabet for the first time on this day. In the mountains, this festival is not only religious but also a celebration of nature and the changing seasons.

New Leaves, Bumblebees on Flowers
Dr. Lalit Tiwari, Professor in the Botany Department of DSB College, Nainital, Uttarakhand, explains that Basant Panchami is considered the symbolic arrival of the king of seasons, spring. After this day, the weather gradually begins to change. The harsh cold begins to subside, and a new energy can be felt as the atmosphere warms. According to Dr. Tiwari, after Basant Panchami, trees begin to sprout new leaves, the buzzing of bumblebees begins to be heard on flowers, and yellow mustard flowers bloom in the fields. All of these are considered signs of new life in nature. This change is especially evident in the hilly areas, where spring is long-awaited after winter.

Why Yellow is Special
Yellow is considered the most prominent color of Basant Panchami. There is a tradition of wearing yellow clothes on this day and offering yellow clothes to Goddess Saraswati. According to religious beliefs, yellow is the color dear to Goddess Sharada and is considered a symbol of knowledge, prosperity, and auspiciousness. Professor Tiwari explains that this is why yellow clothes, yellow flowers, and yellow dishes are used in worship on Basant Panchami. The boy is also made to wear yellow clothes during the Upanayana ceremony. It is believed that wearing yellow clothes bestows the special blessings of Goddess Saraswati and promotes intellectual development.

Beneficial for Health
The importance of yellow has been demonstrated both from a religious and scientific perspective. Professor Tiwari explains that yellow provides peace to the mind and activates the nervous system. This color helps maintain a happy mind. Yellow is believed to increase serotonin, the hormone of happiness, in the body. This reduces problems like stress, anxiety, and depression. This is why wearing yellow clothes on Basant Panchami is considered auspicious for mental and physical health.

How in the Mountains
In the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand, the festival of Basant Panchami is celebrated with traditional fervor. Special dishes are prepared in homes, and offerings are made to Goddess Sharda. Children are given yellow handkerchiefs or clothes as a form of blessing. From this day onwards, Khadi Holi, which begins on the Sunday of Poush, begins to transform into the Holi of Shringar Ras. Holi songs echo through every village. Yellow marigolds, jasmine, and mustard flowers bloom, adding a vibrant touch to the atmosphere.

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