या देवी सर्वभूतेषु विद्यारूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Vidyarupena Samsthita
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah
The highest blessing one should seek is that of knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge purifies our minds and drives us on the right path. Let's bow down to Devi Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and creativity, and pray for her divine grace.
Saraswati Puja is a vibrant and joyous Hindu festival celebrated during the month of Magha, which falls in January or February. This festival coincides with Vasant Panchami or Shree Panchami and marks the arrival of spring. Saraswati Puja is dedicated to Saraswati Mata, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, arts, and learning. It is a day to praise her divine qualities and pray for her guidance in achieving excellence in education or arts.
Who is Devi Saraswati?
Devi Saraswati is one of the main goddesses in Hinduism. She is revered as the goddess of knowledge, education, learning, arts, speech, poetry, music, language, and culture. Her qualities are also linked to the Saraswati River, which shows her nurturing and caring nature, like a mother. She is considered the inventor of the Sanskrit language. As per Hindu scripture, Bhagwan Brahma was the creator of Devi Saraswati.
Saraswati Mata is pictured as a serene woman, who wears a white saree symbolizing purity, wisdom and goodness. She has four arms, each holding a meaningful object: a book symbolizing knowledge, a rosary for spirituality, a water pot representing purity, and a veena symbolizing arts and creativity. She rides either a white swan or a peacock, which signify purity and grace.
The Significance of Saraswati Puja
Saraswati Puja holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. It is primarily a spring festival that celebrates the beginning of the season of growth and prosperity. The festival symbolizes the importance of education, wisdom, and creative expression in life. On this day, students, artists, and scholars worship Goddess Saraswati to get her blessings for success in their fields.
The colour yellow is the colour of spring and is the main colour of Saraswati Puja, as it represents energy, prosperity, and happiness. Yellow mustard flowers bloom during this season, and yellow is used in every part of the celebration. Yellow flowers like marigolds are offered to the Devi, and traditional dishes such as Kesariya Bhaat (sweet saffron rice), Kesariya Ladoo, and halwa are prepared in yellow colours.
How Do We Celebrate Saraswati Puja?
Saraswati Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in eastern states like West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Bihar, and Nepal. People worship Goddess Saraswati in their homes, schools, and temples. Pandals are set up in many places, especially in schools and art institutions, where students and youth participate in the festivities.
The idol of Devi Saraswati is placed in schools, and students sing Saraswati Vandana and urge for wisdom and skills from the Devi. Various activities like music and dance performances and essay writing competitions are held in schools to express respect and devotion to Maa Saraswati. Prasad is distributed among children as the blessings on Maa Saraswati.
A special ritual called Akshar-Abhyasam or Vidya-Arambham is performed on this day, where young children are introduced to learning. People place books, musical instruments, and tools of learning near the idol of Devi Saraswati to seek her blessings. Devotees wear yellow or Basanti-coloured clothes, and the idol of Devi Saraswati is decorated with yellow flowers.
Conclusion
Saraswati Puja is a beautiful festival that reminds us of the value of knowledge, creativity, and wisdom in our lives. The festival brings families and communities together, spreading joy and positivity as it marks the arrival of spring. Saraswati Puja is the time to show our devotion to Saraswati Mata and make learning an integral part of our lives.
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