Goddess Sarawati or Saraswati Mata is the Goddess of knowledge, learning, wisdom, and the arts. As the creator of arts and giver of knowledge, Goddess Saraswati bestows on her followers the ability to acquire more knowledge and learn music and arts. Saraswati puja is also known as Vasant Panchami or Shree Panchami which commemorates the birth of Goddess Saraswati. Saraswati puja is celebrated on the fifth day of the waxing moon of the Nepali month of Magh.
Saraswati Puja is significant for worshipping Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge. This festival also marks the preparation for the arrival of spring. The ways of celebrating this festival varies depending on the region. Vasant Panchami marks the start of preparation for Holi, which takes place forty days later.
This festival has great significance for scholars and students, who worship Goddess Saraswati with a dedication to acquiring knowledge and wisdom and the people who are engaged in forms of art so that they get Her blessings. On this day, the Hindu goddess Saraswati is honored during Purvahna time, which is the hour before noon. White is believed to be the color that Goddess Saraswati prefers, so devotees outfit the deity in white clothing and flowers. Milk and white sesame treats are traditionally offered to Goddess Saraswati and a special sweet, Buniya, is shared as Prasad in Nepal.
It is believed that Goddess Saraswati invented the ‘Sanskrit’ language which is also known to be the language of scriptures for scholars and Brahmins. As per the mythological stories, it is believed that, on this auspicious day, Goddess Saraswati created powerful weapons to kill the demon “Mahishasura”. The weapons were then considered to be holy and sacred and people began to worship them.
There are two key dates to perform Saraswati Puja each year, but both days are referred to as Saraswati Puja, during which students worship the goddess and people teach their first letters to their toddlers. Goddess Saraswati is also worshipped during Diwali Puja in Gujarat, but it is also known as Sharda Puja there.
Many academic institutions do morning pujas or special prayers to ask Goddess Saraswati for Her grace. In various areas, poetry recitals and music events are held. Students participate in huge numbers by starting the day with a ritual bath in the morning, followed by a day-long fast. People visit Saraswati temples and also worship Goddess Saraswati at home in Nepal and Eastern India, primarily in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Tripura, and Assam.
The ancient royal palace at Basantapur was inaugurated on the day of Saraswati Puja which is the reason why they organise a small event as an anniversary. On this auspicious day, one can get married, start a new business, and commence new ventures as this day is considered lucky.
Compiled By: Nikita Gautam
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