Hindus observe Basant Panchmi today

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud is encouraging Hindus to attend their mandirs to observe Basant Panchmi today, Wednesday, February 1st.

This day is observed annually on the fifth day of the bright half of the Hindu month of “MAGH” and symbolises the advent of the spring season whose fullest splendour is celebrated on Holi. Basant Panchmi’s observance emanated from the scientific concept that every season remains in its embryonic stage for 40 days and thus Holi is celebrated when nature is in its full bloom.

The season is ushered in by singing holi, chowtaal, dhamaar, jati and other Holi melodies and culminates with the celebration of the beautiful festival of Holi or Phagwah on March 13 which occurs 40 days after Basant Panchmi.

Holika Dahan which is observed on Purnima or full moon will be observed on the eve of Holi on March 12.

Saraswati Puja is performed on Basant Panchmi each year.Homage is done to the Goddess of learning, scholarship, wisdom and art Saraswati Mata, so that she may bestow the knowledge of Nature’s purpose on those who humbly seek it. Students are at the forefront of pujas on this day.The day is also said to be very auspicious for commencing the study of the Vedas. A symbolic castor oil tree is also planted and it is around this tree that a pyre is built and burnt on Holika Dahan, another symbolic act emphasizing the triumph of good over evil.

Students are at the forefront of pujas on this day.The day is also said to be very auspicious for commencing the study of the Vedas. A symbolic castor oil tree is also planted and it is around this tree that a pyre is built and burnt on Holika Dahan, another symbolic act emphasizing the triumph of good over evil.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is inviting everyone at the Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbellville today for special BasantPanchmi service at 7:00 pm.