Basant utsav commences with 'hawan' at Bhojshala Temple in MP's Dhar

Basant utsav began with 'hawan' and 'pooja' in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district on February 16. Devotees performed 'hawan' on the occasion of 'Basant Panchami' at Bhojshala Temple. Devotees worship Goddess Saraswati today and serve 'bhog' (food offerings) to the Almighty. Basant Panchami, also known as 'Vasant Panchami', marks the arrival of the spring season in India. Bhojshala is a temple of Goddess Saraswati and the monument retains slabs inscribed with Sanskrit and Prakrit literary works. Associated with yellow colour, the festival of Basant Panchami also marks the start of preparation for 'Holika' and 'Holi', which occurs nearly 40 days later.