Saraswathi Puja

 

• Saraswati Puja is an important festival, especially in South India.
• It is observed on the last day of the Navratri celebrations and is celebrated on the same day as ‘Ayudh Puja’
• In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Saraswati Puja is celebrated on the 9th day (last day of Navratri). In contrast, in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, it is observed on the 10th day (Dussera).
• In Southern India, on the Saraswati Puja, children aged between 4-5 years, begin their ‘Vidyarambham’ ceremony.
• Goddess Saraswati is worshipped for 4 days during the auspicious Navratri period in India's western and northern parts.

As per the mythological stories, it was on this day that Goddess Saraswati created powerful weapons to kill the demon named ‘Mahishasuran’. The weapons were then considered to be Holy and people began to worship them. This tradition is followed to date and began to be celebrated as ‘Ayudha Puja’.

Things to do :

• Devotees perform special puja of the Kolu(showcasing of miniature) and make several offerings to goddess Saraswathi.
• Children also offer notebooks and stationery items to the Goddess.
• It is believed that children, who are weak in studies, should chant hymns or shlokas dedicated to Goddess Saraswati on this day.

2024 Date: October 10.