It is the time of spring when this puja (worship ritual) is performed to pray to the goddess of art and knowledge while ushering in the season of new blooms.

Basant Panchami or Vasant Panchami is observed on the fifth day of the spring season. The word vasant means spring and panchami means fifth day. Welcoming the new season, the day falls every year around late January or early February on a date decided as per the Hindu calendar.

It is believed that Goddess Saraswati, who is said to be the deity of music, wisdom, knowledge, art and science, was born on the day of Vasant Panchami. Her devotees offer prayers, while chanting the Saraswati Vandanaa, hymn written in her name.

To let the children indulge in the freedom of creativity, Utsab is complementing it’s first Saraswati Puja with a ‘Sit @ Home’ art competition.

• Register by emailing to info@utsablondon.org with your Address and phone number for collection from Orpington and surroundings.
• Orpington residents: we will collect from your home between 7th and 9th February
• Non-Orpington residents: Please email scanned copy of artwork before 9th February
• For children between 3 – 12 Years
• any form (acrylic, crayon, watercolor, sketch etc) of drawing or painting on an A4 size paper
• Winner will be announced in the evening of 10th February 2019 during Saraswati Puja  at Crofton Halls
• Don’t forget to write Name of child, age and contact phone number on the back of the drawing.
• You need to be physically present in the event to collect the prizes, so please visit us with friends and family.