Saraswati Puja, a widely celebrated occasion in India, is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. This day falls in two different time periods for devotees residing in the northern and southern parts of the country. In the north, Saraswati Puja coincides with Vasant Panchami, the fifth day in the waxing phase of the Hindu Magha month (February in the Gregorian calendar).
In South India, Saraswati Puja falls on the ninth day of Sharada Navaratri (October in the Gregorian calendar), which is known as Navami, and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Saraswati.
Beyond formal education, many also take this opportune day to initiate their children into the world of music, dance, arts and invoke Her blessings to guide and inspire them on their creative journey.
Who is Saraswathi Matha...?
Saraswati Devi is the goddess of knowledge, speech, and arts. She is seated on a white lotus and plays a ‘Veena’. Clad in a white saree, she symbolizes purity and knowledge and mounts a swan. The name of her Veena is said to be ‘Kachchapi’. The word ‘Saraswati’ has different meanings. It combines the words ‘Saras’ which means a body of water and ‘Vati’ which refers to a woman. In another context, ‘Saras’ means ‘speech’ and the name can be implied as the goddess of speech. When you break the word into three parts – ‘Sara’, ‘Sw’, and ‘Vati’, it can mean the essence of self.
Saraswathi pooja celebrations…
Saraswati Devi is worshipped as part of the trinity of goddesses (Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati). On the last day of Navaratri, she is said to transform into Maha Saraswati. On the ninth day, known as Mahanavami, it is believed that Saraswati Devi created powerful weapons to slay the demon Mahishasura. The weapons were later revered as sacred, and people began to worship them. This tradition has evolved into the practice of "Ayudha Puja," where people worship tools and instruments that are essential in their daily lives.
In the North, the fields come alive with the vibrant yellow blooms of mustard. Devotees often wear yellow clothes. They prepare Kesari-based sweets and dishes such as Meethi Chawal (Zarda Pulao), Kesar Sheera (Sooji ka Halwa), Khichdi, Kesar Kheer and Laddu.
During Navaratri celebrations in South India, the first eight days involve the worship of different forms of the Goddess, with offerings specific to each form. On the final day, Saraswati Devi is worshipped, and it is considered an occasion for seeking her blessings for knowledge and wisdom. In North India, Saraswati is worshipped during Basant Panchami. It is considered an opportune occasion to do 'Akshara Abhyasa' and 'Vidya Arambham' for little children on the threshold of commencing their formal education.