Saraswati puja will be observed on Sunday, February 2, 2025. This day is celebrated with great faithfulness and zeal across India to pay respect to the goddess of knowledge and arts. By worshipping the goddess Saraswati, people ensure that they remove negativity and ignorance from their lives. People love to wear yellow and fly kites. People love to wear yellow and fly kites. Yellow colour is associated with the Saraswati goddess. Yellow is related to the ripening of mustard fields at this time of the year. Kheer and kesar pista are cooked in homes.
Our brain is endowed with gifts of knowledge, art, music, and wisdom. Anyone in India who is in the field of creativity or education takes the blessings of the goddess Saraswati to succeed in their endeavors. I remember when I was a child, I used to go to Saraswati puja pandals and pray to the goddess so that I pass my exams. As I grew, I thanked God for making me a professor so that I could light the life of my students. This puja marks the arrival of the spring season. It is also known as Basant Panchami. All the celebrations act as a greeting to the spring season.
In northern India, the mustard field ripens at this time of the year. The puja celebrations denotes a progressive transition toward the full bloom of spring.
Mythological Importance of Saraswati Puja
The Saraswati River is ancient and holy. The river is considered to be a manifestation of the goddess herself. The river has dried up but has profound spiritual significance. In the Rig Veda, it is mentioned that this river is a source of wisdom. Saraswati goddess is also known as the ‘Mother of Vedas’. Her devotees get clarity of thought and success in learning.
This day is also known as Basant Panchami. Basant Panchami is linked with Kamadev, the Hindu god of love, and Rati, his consort. When Parvati wanted to win Shiv’s affection, Kamadev helped her by awakening Shiv from deep meditation. Hence Basant Panchami is associated with the awakening of the earth’s desires. But, when Kamadev shot his arrow at Shiv, god’s third eye opened and Kamadev was reduced to ashes in river Brahmaputra, Guwahati, Assam. On the day of Vasant Panchami Kamadev returned to life again. Therefore, Kamadev and his wife Rati are worshipped on this day. Devotees study together and engage in musical pursuits on this day.
This festival is important to the Sikhs also. Maharaja Ranjit Singh promoted Basant Panchami as a day of social gathering for the Sikhs.
Rituals and Traditions
On this day, Saraswati goddess idols are installed in pandals. People pray to the goddess, who is known as Saraswati Vandana. They also offer books and musical instruments to the goddess. It is a blissful experience for the devotees, as they receive positive vibrations. Devotees also sing devotional songs and chant hymns in praise of the goddess. Finally, sanctified offering is distributed which is called the prasad.
A. West Bengal: Grand Celebrations in Schools and Homes
In West Bengal, Saraswati puja is one of the most important festivals for students and educational institutions. This day is related to youth and the celebration of life. Beautiful Saraswati idols of clay are worshipped. The idols are dressed in yellow. Schools and colleges mark this auspicious day by organizing cultural programs, poetry recitations and music performances. Books are placed before goddesses for success in studies. The deity is offered fruits, sweets, and other delicacies like khichuri and labra.
B. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh: Community prayers
In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the focus is on community prayers and gatherings. Temporary structures which are known as pandals are set in the neighbourhoods to worship Saraswati idols. In these states fire rituals which is known as ‘hawan’ are conducted. Cultural programs such as folk music performances are also organised on this day. One is enlightened by the beautiful pandals and hymns sung in them.
C. Tamil Nadu and Kerala: Navratri or Basant Panchami
The puja celebrations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu carry equal significance as in Northern India. Saraswati puja is observed on the 9th day of Navratri. Kolu doll displays and books are placed before the goddess. In Tamil Nadu ‘Ayudha’ puja is performed where tools and machinery are cleaned. In Kerala, kids are encouraged by introducing them to write their first alphabets on sand under the guidance of priests. Flower, fruits and traditional food like ‘payasam’ is offered to the goddess.
Conclusion
Saraswati puja reflects the diversity of Indian culture. Every soul resonates with joy and enthusiasm on this day as learning never stops. My heart is filled with gratitude on this day. May goddess Saraswati shower her blessings on every soul on this planet.