The three trinity strengths, of the universe, are the Goddess Kali, Goddess Lakshmi and the Goddess Saraswati. Goddess Kali known for strength/power, Goddess Lakshmi known for wealth/prosperity and Goddess Saraswati known for knowledge/arts. Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, arts and wisdom, holds an important place among the heart of the students. During the Saraswati Puja, they decorate the Goddess, shower flowers on her feet and pray to bless them with knowledge, wisdom and conscience. Any educated, successful and righteous person believed to have received the Goddess's blessing. Great poets/authors like the Kalidasa, Valmiki, Tulsidas, Surdas, etc., and their literary works have become immortal because of the blessing of the Goddess.
Timing
The holiest time of the celebration of this festival begins with the arrival of the spring (Vasanta). People celebrate this festival in the first week of February, every year. On the day of Vasanta Panchami, people worship the idols of Goddess Saraswati. Several educational institutes and social groups celebrate the festival in an organised way. These idols done by the talented artists gather everyone's attention.
Significance
A perfect festival for the students to pray for knowledge and wisdom from the Goddess. Knowledge makes one modest, modesty builds one's character, talent helps to earn wealth, and wealth brings happiness. So, knowledge, the root or string of all the happiness in life. This is the reason this festival holds significance in the life of students.
Celebration
Idols of the Goddess decorated in the homes, schools, colleges, local clubs and streets. The idols get crafted by the hands of expert artists who make these look alive and beautiful. Dressed in a white sari, the goddess sits on a white swan or on a white lotus flower and blesses her pupils with knowledge. She has the four hands that depict the four elements of human characteristics. She holds the holy book, lotus and plays the musical instrument, Veena. The students, together with the organisers decorate the idols. The mandap or the place of worship gets decorated with different coloured papers and flags. The prayer begins with the help of the experienced Brahmins (Pundits). The prayer completes with the Saraswati Vandana and the beating of drums, bells and blowing of the conch-shells. The students, make sure to put their books, pens, pencils, etc., on the feet of the Goddess. At the end of the prayer, people pay Pushpanjali (offering of flowers) to the goddess. After the Puja ceremony, the prasad or the gift of the god distributed to everyone. Reading or learning on this festive day, not allowed.
Lesson
Saraswati Puja, the most cherished festival among the student groups. This festival teaches to step ahead in the light from the darkness of ignorance. A special day dedicated to the Goddess of knowledge help us understand the value of learning and how to move ahead in our future life. Those who pray with devotion and follow a rightful life gets blessed with the almighty blessings of the Goddess. Let's again celebrate and pray together in the rightful spirit, this Saraswati Puja, for a better tomorrow.