Nepal, Feb. 3 -- In Nepali society, Shree Panchami is considered an auspicious day for initiating an undertaking or business. It also marks the arrival of the spring season. According to the Nepali lunar calendar, the festival, popularly known as Basanta Panchami and Saraswati Puja, falls on the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Magh.

Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of learning and knowledge. On this day, many children begin their formal education by writing the first letter of the Nepali alphabet on the walls of Saraswati temples, guided by their parents. Later, the toddlers join their kindergarten schooling, as most commercial academies provide free admission to those enrolling on this day.

The Nepal Army plays a beautiful m...