Goddess of Learning Saraswati worshiped today amid religious fervour

Feb. 5: It’s the day for welcoming the Goddess of Knowledge, Sarawati. The ripening of mustard and the onset of spring brings with it the festival of Basant Panchami which is also observed as Saraswati Puja in most parts of the country. Especially the student community is celebrating Saraswati Puja across the country today amid much enthusiasm, festivity and religious fervour. However, rain seems to play spoilsport during the puja.

Saraswati Puja or Basant Panchami falls on the fifth day of the Shukla Pakkha of the Bengali month of Maagh each year when Hindus worship goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning, to mark the coming of spring. It is also believed that Goddess Saraswati was born on the auspicious day of Basant Panchami, which is why Basant Panchami is also known as Shree Panchami, where in devotees worship the Goddess with various offerings.

Major Hindu temples, schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions stage the festival with traditional gaiety and religious fervour. The students in particular seek blessings of goddess Saraswati in their pursuit of knowledge, art, music and culture.

According to Hindu faith, goddess Saraswati represents power, creativity and inspiration and presents herself when the weather is pleasant and nature is in its full grandeur. Depicted as a graceful woman with a crescent moon adorning her brow, she is shown riding a swan or a peacock, or is seated on a lotus flower.

This year Basant Panchami or Saraswati  Puja will be celebrated on February 5 and the Vasant Panchami Muhurat is from 07:07 AM to 12:35 PM. Vasant Panchami Madhyahna Moment will be at 12:35 PM, according to drikpanchang. Although there is no special time to perform Saraswati Puja on Vasant Panchami day one should make sure that Puja is done when Panchami Tithi is prevailing.

Like all festivals, Saraswati Puja is marked by many traditional delicacies, like khichuri, labra (mixed vegetables), paayesh, begun bhaja (eggplant fritters), sondesh and rajbhog. People also fly kites, distribute sweets, offer prayers in temples and music events are also held to celebrate this day. Traditionally, children are introduced to education and learning on the day of Saraswati Puja. This ritual is called “Hatekhori”. Toddlers are usually given a slate and chalk to scribble with.

Too joyfully, students place all their text books, note pads, pens, pencils, reference books under the watchful eyes of the goddess; they then legitimately claim a day off from studies, as custom says one mustn’t study on this day.

While Ma Saraswati blesses these tools of learning, the young students set out to do what they can’t usually do (not without reproach) – while pass time with friends, or pursue their love interest. Especially for love and its pursuits, there isn’t any day better than Saraswati Puja—most Bengalis would vouch for that.