Saraswati Puja, one of the main religious festivals of the Hindu community, is being celebrated across the country today. The Puja is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magh. It is believed that Goddess Saraswati, who is said to be the deity of music, wisdom, knowledge, art and science, was born on the day of Vasant Panchami. Her devotees offer prayers, while chanting the Saraswati Vandanaa, hymn written in her name, as Goddess Saraswati was born on this day. Over the years this festival has acquired a secular character and people from all religious communities participate enthusiastically in the puja. Saraswati is the goddess of learning. The goddess has four hands that signify the ego, mind, intellect and alertness of the human beings. You will find her holding lotus in one hand this signifies true knowledge. She also holds the vedas in one hand and carries a veena (musical instrument). Prayers are also offered to Lord Ganesha, as part of the tradition as per which the lord, also known as vighna harta, literally the obstacle remover, is remembered and prayed to before the start of any event. The goddess is always dressed in a white coloured sari. It is said that with the veena she plays the music of love and life. The goddess is seen rising a big white swan. This swan signifies purity.

Saraswati Puja is a very important puja. Hindus believe you please the Goddess Saraswati she can grant you with a lot of knowledge and talents. The people who are affected by Rahu must worship the goddess Saraswati regularly. She is the mother of the Vedas. Some say that she is the daughter of Lord Shiva and goddess Durga. There are many more theories about her origin. Devotees believe that worshipping of goddess Saraswati will lead to spiritual enlightenment. It is generally said that there is no comparison between a king and a learned person as the king is honoured only in his land but a learned person is respected everywhere. Saintly and learned people who are inclined towards spirituality know the importance of worshipping goddess Saraswati.

Saraswati Puja reminds us that one has to work towards gaining knowledge because where there is knowledge, there is light. Earning knowledge should be at the top of the list of priorities; the rest will follow for sure.