Vasant Panchami

What

Vasant Panchami is marked by wearing yellow, the color of mustard fields in bloom, and by worship of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts — many schools and students specifically mark the day with prayers for learning.

Why

The festival sits at the seasonal turn toward spring, and pairs that renewal with an invocation of Saraswati, treating the return of color and growth in nature as a fitting moment to also renew one's own relationship with learning and creativity.

Preparation

• Wear something yellow
• Set up books, instruments, or art supplies near a small altar
• Begin learning something new on this day, considered auspicious for it
• Offer a prayer of gratitude for whatever knowledge you've gained this year

Mantra

Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah — salutations to Saraswati, goddess of learning.