February 14, 2013 – Basant Panchami

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nThisnHindu festival celebrates the coming of spring, the color yellow, andnthe goddess of knowledge, music, art, and culture. Saraswati is thatngoddess, and offerings of yellow flowers are often made to her statuenor temples. Traditionally, children begin to learn the 50 letters ofnthe Sanskrit alphabet on this day, or learn to write their firstnwords. Students sometimes make offerings of pens or books tonSaraswati in hopes that they will do well on their exams. Mostnschools have special programs on this day.
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nPeoplenwear yellow clothes and eat saffron rice and yellow sweets duringnBasant Panchami. n

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nKite flying is also very important in Lahore, Pakistan, especiallynduring Basant. However, metal or glass-encrusted string and dangerousnkite-fighting practices have resulted in an unacceptable death tollnand a governmental ban on all kite sales and kite flying. 
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nand more Valentine’s Day

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