Kathmandu: Nepal celebrated the Basant Panchami festival today, marking the occasion with the traditional Basanta Shrawan ritual at Nasal Chowk, Hanuman Dhoka at 7:55 AM. The festival, observed annually on Magh Shukla Panchami, honors Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and wisdom.

President Ram Chandra Paudel attended the Basanta Shrawan ceremony, where he listened to a special melody performed at the auspicious time and received tika and Prasad from the priest. This tradition, in which the Head of State listens to a sacred melody, has been followed for years as part of Basant Panchami celebrations.

A contingent of the Nepali Army presented a guard of honor to President Paudel during the event. Several high-ranking officials, including Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, along with top government officials and security chiefs, were also present.

Basant Panchami is also celebrated as Shree Panchami and Saraswati Puja, during which devotees worship Goddess Saraswati, seeking wisdom and academic success.