Basanta Panchami, popularly known as Saraswoti Puja, is being celebrated across the kingdom on Friday by offering prayer to Saraswati, the Goddess of learning.

Manjushree Temple (File Photo)
On the occasion, devotees honour the deities of knowledge and learning. Hindus honor goddess Saraswati and the Buddhists god Manjushree.

Devotees visit shrines devoted to goddess Saraswati and Manjushree and offer flowers, sweets, fruits, etc to the goddess.

This is a day when people from school, students to scholars worship their pens and books and artists worship their instruments to please the Goddess and expect her favor in their studies so they become wise and knowledgeable.

Basanta Panchami announces the advent of spring, with official ceremonies organized at Hanuman Dhoka Square.

Devotees worshiping the statue of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom, at Nil Saraswati Temple in Gairidhara, Friday, Feb 03 06. nepalnews.com/rh

Devotees worshiping the statue of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom, at Nil Saraswati Temple in Gairidhara, Friday, Feb 03 06. nepalnews.com/rh
In Kathmandu, hundreds of devotees line up from early morning to pay respect to the goddess of learning, Saraswati, at shrines on the hill near the Swayambhunath Stupa and Saraswati Kunda in Patan.

On this day, small children are given their first alphabet lesson today.

This day is regarded as a very auspicious day for marriages too as it is believed that Goddess Saraswati herself blesses the couples.