Saraswati Puja
is celebrated in honour of the goddess Saraswati
who is the goddess of learning and knowledge.
Goddess Saraswati is worshipped by the people in
West Bengal in the month of Magh. She is seen as
a beautiful woman and has four arms. Usually the
goddess is shown wearing a white spotless sari
and is seated on an inverted white lotus or
riding a swan playing the Vina. The white colour
of the sari is the sign of purity. There are a
number of books by her side. The inverted lotus
represents 'a search for knowledge' and the
white swan is the vehicle of the goddess. The
Vina represents harmony.
Saraswati puja is celebrated in the Magha month,
i.e. January - February. The puja is done during
a specific time and period. Saraswati puja is
celebrated at home as well. Homes are decorated
with decorations and several forms of art work.
Students place books near the goddess and
worship her to obtain the gift of knowledge and
blessings to do well in their studies. Reading
books or studying is not allowed on this day.
Children and students are happy on this day as
they do not have to study. Once the puja has
been conducted by the priest and celebrated by
family members, 'prashad' is distributed to
family members and neighbours. Flowers and
leaves of tulsi, mango blossoms, and barley
sheaves are offered at the goddess's feet. There
is a lot fun and excitement on Saraswati Puja.
At the conclusion of the puja the goddess is
worshipped once again and the books are removed.
The deity is then taken for immersion the next
evening. This concludes Saraswati Puja
celebrations. Students enjoy the festival with
great excitement and happiness.
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