New Delhi, February 10: President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other leaders on Sunday extended their greetings to people of the country on the joyous occasion of Basant Panchami 2019.  Basant Panchami, the festival marking the spring season, is being celebrated across the nation with great fervour and gaiety. The day is also dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, arts and music, Saraswati. People seek the blessing of the goddess for prosperity in their wisdom and knowledge.

Saraswati Puja is popular in several states including West Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It is believed that if the goddess is worshipped she will bestow gifts of learning on her devotees. Basant Panchami 2019: Two Crore Devotees to Take Third 'Shahi Snan' at Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. 

Leaders took to micro-blogging site Twitter to wish the nation on the joyous occasion on Sunday. Prime Minister Modi in his greetings wished for blessings of knowledge and goodwill for all. "Many greetings to citizens on the festival which symbolises new energy, new ambition and new vigour-  Basant Panchami. I wish that Goddess of learning mother Saraswati will provide knowledge and goodwill to all," he tweeted. Basant Panchami 2019 Date: Know Significance, Saraswati Puja Tithi Timings, Mantra and Story Attached to the Hindu Spring Festival.

Meanwhile, President Kovind greeted people of the nation saying, "Greetings to fellow citizens on Basant Panchami, Sri Panchami, and Saraswati Puja. May this festive occasion, which heralds' spring and celebrates learning, spur us to expand the frontiers of education and knowledge in our families, our society and our country". Saraswati Puja 2019 Wishes in Hindi: Basant Panchami WhatsApp Stickers, GIF Image Messages, Quotes and SMS to Send Happy Vasant Panchami Greetings.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar wished the nation on Basant Panchami. "Basant Panchami greetings to everyone. May the blessings of Maa Saraswati always remain with us and bestow us with wisdom", Javadekar said.

Former cricketer of the Indian cricket team, VVS Laxman took to Twitter to wish people on the nation on the occasion of Basant Panchami. "Heartiest Greetings on the occasion of Basant Panchami. May our lives Shine With The Light Of Knowledge and Blessings Of Maa Saraswati", he said.

Punjab Chief Minister took to Twitter and wished people of the nation on Sunday. "Wishing you all a Happy Basant Panchami. May the onset of Spring bring success and happiness into your lives. Basant Panchami", he said.

The festival of Basant Panchami also marks the third 'Shahi Snan' (holy dip) of various akharas at the ongoing Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. The festival is celebrated with great gusto in Punjab where people are dressed up in yellow and fly kites during the day.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 10, 2019 10:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).