English version of Above Maithili content. In Maithili culture, Vasant Panchami (Basant Panchami) is deeply linked to the worship of Devi Saraswati and has been celebrated for centuries as a festival of learning, wisdom, and the arrival of spring. Historical Origins in Maithili Culture • The tradition of celebrating Saraswati Puja on Vasant Panchami in Mithila likely dates back to the period of the Videha kingdom (c. 1000 BCE - 500 BCE), when Mithila was a major center of learning and scholarship. • Mithila has been a land of scholars, poets, and philosophers, including Sita, King Janaka, Mandan Mishra, and Vidyapati, all of whom were deeply associated with learning and knowledge. The worship of Saraswati was naturally significant in this region. • The festival became more prominent during the rule of the Karnata and Oinwar dynasties (12th–16th centuries CE), when Mithila was a major center for Sanskrit learning and the Maithili language flourished. Vasant Panchami Celebrations in Mithila • On this day, children are traditionally introduced to writing (Aksharārambha), making it a significant occasion for education. • Saraswati idols are worshipped in homes, schools, and temples, and books, pens, and musical instruments are placed before the goddess for blessings. • In villages, people also celebrate by flying kites, a tradition that symbolizes joy and the arrival of spring. • Traditional Maithili folk songs and Vidyapati’s compositions in praise of Saraswati are sung during the festival. Connection to Vidyapati and Mithila’s Literary Culture • Vidyapati (14th–15th century), the great Maithili poet, composed several hymns in honor of Saraswati, solidifying her worship in Mithila. • The region has been a historical center of Tanmaya Vidya (spiritual knowledge) and secular education, with many Tols (traditional schools) celebrating Saraswati Puja annually. Continuity of Tradition • Today, Saraswati Puja on Vasant Panchami remains a major event in Maithili-speaking regions of Bihar, Nepal, and Jharkhand, with cultural programs, poetry recitals, and special feasts marking the day. • The event signifies not just learning but also the cultural identity of Mithila, linking it to its ancient traditions.