Basanta Panchami being observed

Basanta Panchami is being celebrated all over the country by paying homage to Goddess Saraswati, known as the goddess of knowledge, on Monday. 

Also known as Saraswati Puja, writers, artists, journalists, teachers and students worship their tools, pen, paper, pencil and musical instruments as goddess Saraswati.

There is also a belief that you will be blessed if you begin your learning after worshiping Saraswati. The day is also regarded as auspicious for social and religious functions like marriage, bratabanda, gufa and belbibaha.

It is considered auspicious to start education for children and to pierce their nose and ears. Devotees, especially students, throng the temples of Goddess Saraswati since early morning today.

Meanwhile, President Ram Chandra Paudel and Vice-President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav have extended their best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Basanta Panchami and Saraswati Puja.

President Paudel said Saraswati Puja is a festival that always energizes and inspires us for innovations.

In the message, he underscored the importance of worshipping Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, knowledge and music. Today is also the day of enrolling children in school and initiating their formal education as it is believed to bring the divine blessings of Goddess Saraswati, it is said.

President Paudel wished that the Saraswati Puja would help preserve and promote original rich cultures by maintaining unity in the country's social and cultural diversity.

Similarly, Vice President Yadav expressed the belief that strong unity in social diversity has helped further strengthen national unity of the country.

In the message, he mentioned that this festival has connected all areas, territories, religions, communities and cultures by protecting multi-castes, multi-languages and multi-cultures.