Saraswati Puja today

The Hindu community is set to celebrate Saraswati Puja, worshiping the Goddess of knowledge, music, art and culture, across the country today amid much enthusiasm, festivity and religious fervour.

Saraswati Puja or Basant Panchami falls on the fifth ‘Tithi’ of the Bengali month of Maagh each year when Hindus worship goddess Saraswati to mark the coming of spring.

Traditionally children are introduced to education and learning on the day of Saraswati Puja and this ritual is called “Hatekhari”. Toddlers are usually given a slate and chalk to scribble with on the auspicious day.

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.