"Where’s the yellow?" she exclaims, hands on her hips.
Her niece and nephew—sprawled on the floor with their books, look up in confusion. "Yellow? What yellow?"
"It’s Vasant Panchami!" Wise Mama declares, dramatically throwing up her hands. "A day of knowledge, wisdom, and the color that shines brighter than the summer sun—yellow! And yet, look at this! Not a trace of it anywhere!"
One of the kids grins mischievously. "Isn’t that just a festival for Saraswati Puja?"
Wise Mama places a hand on her heart, pretending to be scandalized. "Oh, dear child, Vasant Panchami isn’t just anything! It’s the first whisper of spring, the festival that reminds us that nature is waking up from its winter nap! It’s the day we celebrate learning, creativity, and fresh beginnings. And do you know why we wear yellow?"
"Because it’s your favorite color?" another one teases.
She chuckles, shaking her head. "Because yellow is the color of spring—the mustard fields sway in golden waves, the sun shines a little brighter, and even our plates demand a touch of gold! Ever had saffron-infused kheer or turmeric-spiced millet khichdi on this day? Pure sunshine on a plate!"
A curious voice pipes up. "But why do people worship Saraswati on Vasant Panchami?"
Wise Mama tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear and leans forward. "Ah, now that’s a story worth telling. Goddess Saraswati isn’t just about books and exams, my dear. She represents wisdom, music, art, and the power of curiosity. Ever noticed how the best ideas come to you when you’re relaxed and happy? That’s Saraswati at work! Vasant Panchami is the day we invite her into our lives—not just for good grades but for creativity, clarity, and lifelong learning."
One of the kids squints at her suspiciously. "So, if I pray to Saraswati today, I don’t have to study for my math test?"
Wise Mama throws her head back and laughs. "Nice try! But Saraswati doesn’t hand out free passes. She helps you enjoy learning, not escape it!"
The room falls silent for a moment, and then a small voice asks, "So… can we eat something special today? You said something about sunshine on a plate?"
Wise Mama claps her hands together, delighted. "Now you’re speaking my language! How about some golden millet laddoos, sweetened with jaggery and kissed with saffron? Or a warm bowl of haldi-spiced millet khichdi? After all, food is wisdom too—it teaches patience, balance, and the art of savoring every moment."
As she walks towards the kitchen, the kids follow her, chattering excitedly. The yellow may have been missing at the start of the day, but as the golden aroma of saffron and turmeric fills the air, Wise Mama knows—Vasant Panchami has truly arrived.