Gujarat tradition rooted in Vasant Panchami

It is said that the arrival of Vasant (spring) did not need an announcement a few decades ago. However, today when many of us are forgetting what tithi (date according to the Gujarati calendar), tehewar (auspicious days) and mass (month according to the calendar) are, how can we explain or even know the arrival of Vasant?  

It is heartening to note that there are some in Gujarat who still prefer to remain rooted in old traditions and also believe in preserving and perpetuating ancient customs and celebrate typically cultural Gujrarati festivals. In this context, today's celebration of Vasant Panchami - an auspicious day according to the Gujarati calendar which marks the beginning of spring - in a few select schools and families, certainly deserves attention.

Raja Pathak, a renowned academician and founder of Satva Shishu Vikas School, says, "We celebrate Vasant Panchami by hosting a puja of goddess Saraswati - an embodiment of power and knowledge. We explain what tithis and tehwars are, as well as their  significance, in accordance with the Gujarati calendar to our students. We involve them in such celebrations because we believe that today's kids need to know their own culture."

Vasant Panchami is the commencement of the month of new beginnings. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati are associated with these.

"Vasant Panchami is traditionally celebrated in Gujarat by doing a Saraswati or Ganesh Puja," informs Pandit Jagganathji. Many prefer to tie the marriage knot on Vasant Panchami, while a few like to start a new business venture or make the decision to move into a new house on this day.

US-returned Kokila Shah, 60, who recently wound up her motel business in Florida and bought a house near Satellite, says, "I have been holding back my house warming ceremony for Vasant Panchami. I've hosted a Vastu Puja to enter my new home."

Astrologer Monisha Shah says , "Many hold back marriage and house-warming plans for Vasant Panchami. There is no need to seek for a good muhurtha (good time) if you happen to start something on Vasant Panchami, as the entire day with its 12 chokhadiyas is considered auspicious." 

Rujuta, 28, and Rohit Shah, 29, who decided to marry on Panchami, say, "We are happy to begin our married life on a day which is marked for new beginnings by our scripture and culture."
Shvetal Nanavati, a jeweller, adds, "Vasant Panchami is also celebrated for starting a new trade cycle. All business transactions which are on hold during a month-long Kamurtha (Dec 15 to Jan 15) end with the auspicious Panchami."