Saraswati Puja
Saraswati Puja, also known as Saraswati Jayanti and Vasant Panchami, is a Hindu festival dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning. Saraswati is part of the Tridevi, along with the goddesses Lakshmi and Parvati. She is often depicted with four arms, holding symbols such as a book, a rosary, a water pot, and a musical instrument called the veena. It is believed that the winter end from this day and marks the beginning of the spring season. Spring season is regarded as the king of all seasons. It is the day to worship for creation and knowledge.
Saraswati Puja 2024 Date
It is observed on Magh Sukla Panchami. In the year 2024, it will be celebrated on Thursday, February 14th. It is also called Shree Panchami as well as Basanta Panchami.
Why it is Celebrated?
Saraswati is one of the greatest creations of Lord Bhrama. She is a four-handed Goddess with white sari seating on a white Lotus. Her vehicle( Bahan) is a white swan. She holds a book, a veena, and a garland in her hands. Saraswati is regarded as a source of all creativity and intelligence. She is the creator of art, music, science, and all education. Her blessings are the source of innovation and knowledge. That’s why on this day, Saraswati is worshiped by students in schools and colleges or temples for better knowledge and wisdom. As per Hindu culture, Saraswati puja is regarded as an auspicious day to start new work, get married, or perform a housewarming ceremony. This day marks the arrival of the spring season(Basanta Ritu) in South Asia regions. So, it is also celebrated as Basanta Panchami in many parts of Nepal and India.
How it is Observed in Nepal?
People throughout the country observe the Saraswati Puja, by worshiping the Goddess Saraswati by visiting her temples. This day is an important day for the kids. Kids start writing their first letters and alphabet. Small kids who have yet to start their formal school-based education are given their first lessons on reading and writing. Many guardians enroll their children in school. People including children visit Saraswati temple to scribble on the wall of temples in a bid to please the Goddess of Knowledge. Students worship Saraswati with more diligence and respect. Students worship their books, pens, notes books, and other things too. It is believed a day to start new things.
On this day, Musician worships their musical instruments and other professionals worship their tools. so, this is the day when the source of knowledge, arts, and music is worshiped. Sweets and fruits are distributed as parshad. Many schools nowadays, organize a huge fiesta with the active participation of every student. As the day is believed to be very auspicious people get married, start a new business, or venture on this day.
In the Terai region of Nepal, there is a tradition of collecting money for making the Saraswati idols. Some people organize communities idols competition. The community with the best idol wins the competition, which makes this festival even more interesting.
In Kathmandu valley, the main temples of Goddess Saraswati are Nilbarahi, lele of Lalitpur, Nilsaraswati of Garidhara, Lazimpat, etc. Devotees from Kathmandu valley visit these temples from early morning to late evening. Various fairs and events are organized there on this particular day. The idols of Saraswati of the Pashupati temple are also worshiped by Buddhists as Manjushri on this day.
Safi Basant in Muslim Community
Basant Panchami is celebrated by the Muslim community as well as Safi Basanti. It is documented in various documents and Muslim legends since the 12th century. According to Sufi traditions, the great Sufi poet known as Amir Kusrau saw Hindu women with yellow dresses going to the temple carrying a yellow flower. Later he adopted this culture to give some happiness to Nizamuddin Aulla, whose nephew died a few days ago and was not recovering from the grief. Thus, from that day got commemorated as safi Basant. We may be from different cultures and religions but we must appreciate creation and creator and Basanta Panchami is that day for it.
Saraswati Vandana:-
या कुंदेंदु तुषारहार धवला, या शुभ्र वस्त्रावृता |
या वीणावर दण्डमंडितकरा, या श्वेतपद्मासना ||
या ब्रह्माच्युतशंकरप्रभ्रृतिभिर्देवै: सदा वन्दिता |
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती नि:शेष्य जाड्यापहा ||
Meaning of Saraswoti Vandana:
Oh Goddess Saraswati , fair as flower of jasmine or moon or a snow flake
Whose hands are adorned by veena who is seated in a white lotus, in white dress,
Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar always pray and worship whom
Please protect us, from all the evils.
Jaya Saraswati Mata!!!
What is Saraswati Puja?
Saraswati Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning.
When is Saraswati Puja celebrated?
It is observed on Magh Sukla Panchami.
What are the rituals of Saraswati Puja?
The rituals include preparation, decoration, offerings, prayers and chants, cultural programs, and a ritual called “Hatey Khori” in Bengal where young children are taught to write their first words.
What is the significance of Saraswati Puja?
Saraswati is considered the symbol of wisdom, knowledge, art, and creativity. It is believed that without Goddess Saraswati’s blessings, one cannot achieve success in these fields. This festival holds a special significance for scholars and students, who worship Goddess Saraswati with pure dedication and devotion to acquire knowledge and wisdom.
