Saraswati Puja, which is celebrated to worship to the goddess of art, music, science, wisdom, and knowledge, marks the conclusion of the winter season and the beginning of the spring season. On the fifth day of the spring season, Saraswati Puja or Basant Panchami is observed. It is considered a lucky day to begin learning anything new. The goddess seems to be dressed in a white saree or fabric and seated on a white swan or white Lotus. One of Nepal’s most important festivals is Saraswati Pooja, also known as BasantaPanchami or Shree Panchami. BasantaPanchami marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. VasantPanchami occurs in the months of January and February (Magh – Fagun). On this day, we honor Goddess Saraswati. Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, is worshipped. She is regarded as the fount of all wisdom and creativity. Her blessings are a wellspring of creativity and wisdom. Art, music, science, and all forms of education are all created by her. Saraswati is one of Lord Bhrama’s most magnificent creations. She is thought to be Brahma’s most beautiful creation. Saraswati is a Goddess with four hands who sits on a white lotus and wears a white sari. Her mode of transportation is a white Swan. Veena, Book, and a garland are in her hands.
When is Saraswati Pooja celebrated?
On Magha Sukla Panchami, Saraswati puja is celebrated. Because Saraswatipooja is performed on Panchami, the day is known as Shree Panchami. Saras means flow in Sanskrit, while wati indicates carrier. Saraswati means “she who flows.” Sara also means essence, while swati is the Sanskrit word for self. As a result, she is considered self-essence.
The day of Saraswati Pooja is a really fortunate day. Many Nepali children begin writing their first letters and alphabets on this day. Children are brought to the Saraswati temple and asked to read and write their first letter. The Nepali Alphabet, numerals, and slokas are written on the walls of Swaraswati temples all throughout the nation. White chalk is used by the children to write on the slate or the wall. As a result, it is a significant day for all children. Shree Panchami is thought to be the greatest day to begin learning new things. Books, pencils, notes, and other tools are revered by students. A musician is devoted to his or her instrument. Professionals are devoted to their tools. This is the day when the wellspring of information, art, and education is revered in a single statement.
It is also believed that if a person swallows seven rice grains presented to the Goddess Saraswati, he or she would become smart and informed. As a result, numerous youngsters and students ask for the rice grains that have been sprinkled around the holy goddess’s image. The worshippers consume the fruit and prasad only after the puja is completed.
Students pay greater attention to and honor the goddess Saraswati. Saraswati puja is celebrated in distinctive ways at schools and institutions. There is a practice in Nepal’s Madhesh and Terai regions of collecting money to build and install goddess Saraswati statues in town avenues. People give tribute and respect to their idols.People also hold idol competitions on occasion. The person who creates the finest idol gets rewarded. This makes the party even more enjoyable. People get married, establish new businesses, and start new ventures on this day since it is considered to be extremely good and auspicious. Saraswati temples can be found all across Nepal. There is usually a little independent Saraswati temple in the periphery of every temple.
At Nepal, it is traditional ritual and a way to install Saraswati and Ganesh in every temple. Three prominent Saraswoti temples may be found around the Kathmandu valley. Saraswoti Temple is located in Lele, Saraswoti Temple is located in Swyambhu, and Nil Saraswoti Temple is located in Gairidhara. During Saraswati Day, devotees in the Kathmandu valley visit these temples from early morning to late at night.
-Article written by: Saru Niraula for Land Nepal
