New Delhi: On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami or Vasant Panchami (as some call it) Goddess Saraswati is worshipped. This year it is marked on February 5. Every year, Vasant or Basant Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Magha. 

The festival marks the celebration to usher in the spring season. Also, in some places, from this day, preparations for Holi start in full swing. 

On Basant Panchami, Devi Saraswati—the goddess of knowledge, wisdom and performing arts is revered and devotees seek her abundant blessings. To invoke the goddess, there are various mantras that you can chant. Also, you can pay tribute to Maa Saraswati and seek her blessings by singing this aarti:

Saraswati Aarti 

Om Jai Saraswati Mata, Jai Jai Saraswati Mata, Sadgun Vaibhav Shalini, Tribhuvan Vikhyata, Jai Jai Saraswati Mata...

Meaning: Glory to you, O Mother Saraswati. You are a treasure of good deeds and the ruler of the three spheres.

Chandravadani padmasini, dyuti mangalakare, Sohe shub hansa savare, atul tejdhari, Jai Saraswati Mata...

Meaning: You are as radiant as the moon and seated on a lotus. You ride on a swan and your strength is immeasurable.

Bayen kar men vina, daen kar mala, Shish mukut mani sohe, Gal motiyan mala, Jai Jai Saraswati Mata...

Meaning: In the left hand, you hold a 'Veena' and in the right the 'Mala'. Your head is adorned with a crown made of gems, and the neck with a pearl necklace.

Devi sharan jo ae, unka uddhar kiya, Paithi Manthra dasi, Ravan sanhar kiya, Jai Jai Saraswati Mata...

Meaning: Whosoever takes refuge in you, gets rid of the vicious cycle of birth and death. You destroyed the demon king Ravana by distorting the mind of Kaikeyi’s maid- Manthara.

Vidhya gyan pradayini, gyan prakash bharo, Moh aur agyan timir ka jay se nash karo, Jai Jai Saraswati Mata...

Meaning: You provide knowledge, bless us with wisdom. Remove ignorance from the world.

Dhup dip phal meva, man sweekar karo, Gyanchakshu de mata, jag nistar karo, Jai Jai Saraswati Mata...

Meaning: O Mother, please accept the incense, lamp and the sweets. Bless us with the eyes of knowledge and help us transcend.

Maa Saraswati ki arti jo koi jan gave, Hitkari sukhkari, gyan bhakti pave, Jai Jai Saraswati Mata...

Meaning: Whosoever sings the Aarti of Mother Saraswati, becomes a recipient of knowledge and devotion.

Saraswati Shloka is as follows:

Saraswati Namastubhyam

Varde Jnaanaroopini

Vidyaarambham Karishyami

Siddhir Bhavatu Me Sadaa

Saraswati Gayatri Mantra:

ॐ ऐं वाग्देव्यै विद्महे कामराजाय धीमहि। तन्नो देवी प्रचोदयात्॥

Om Aim Vagdevyai Vidmahe Kamarajaya Dhimahi।

Tanno Devi Prachodayat॥

Saraswati Mantra:

ॐ अर्हं मुख कमल वासिनी पापात्म क्षयम्कारी

वद वद वाग्वादिनी सरस्वती ऐं ह्रीं नमः स्वाहा॥

Om Arham Mukha Kamala Vasini Papatma Kshayamkari

Vad Vad Vagvadini Saraswati Aim Hreem Namah Svaha॥

Mahasaraswati Mantra:

ॐ ऐं महासरस्वत्यै नमः॥

Om Aim Mahasarasvatyai Namah॥

Saraswati Mantra:

ॐ ऐं नमः॥

Om Aim Namah॥

Saraswati Mantra:

ॐ ऐं क्लीं सौः॥

Om Aim Kleem Sauh॥

Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja!