Saraswati Puja is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, learning, music, and arts. Celebrated with devotion across India, especially in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, the festival holds deep cultural, spiritual, and educational significance. Below is a detailed FAQ-style guide to help you understand Saraswati Puja in a simple and human way.
1. Who is Goddess Saraswati?
Goddess Saraswati is revered as the goddess of knowledge, learning, wisdom, music, speech, and creativity. She is believed to bless devotees with intellect, clarity of thought, artistic skills, and spiritual wisdom. Saraswati is often depicted dressed in white, symbolising purity and truth, seated on a lotus or a swan, holding a veena, a book, and a rosary.
2. What is Saraswati Puja?
Saraswati Puja is the ritual worship of Goddess Saraswati, performed to seek her blessings for education, creativity, and success in intellectual pursuits. It is especially important for students, teachers, artists, writers, and musicians. On this day, books, musical instruments, and study materials are placed near the idol or image of the goddess and worshipped.
3. When is Saraswati Puja celebrated?
This year, Saraswati Puja falls on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Panchami Tithi Begins: 02:28 AM on Jan 23.
Panchami Tithi Ends: 01:46 AM on Jan 24.
Best Puja Muhurat: The most auspicious time to perform the Puja is between 07:15 AM and 12:50 PM.
4. Why is Basant Panchami associated with Saraswati Puja?
Basant Panchami symbolises renewal, growth, and the blossoming of nature, which aligns with the essence of learning and creativity. The colour yellow, associated with spring and prosperity, dominates the celebrations and is also linked to Goddess Saraswati. Many devotees wear yellow clothes and prepare yellow-coloured food offerings.
5. How is Saraswati Puja performed?
The puja typically begins with the installation of the idol or picture of Goddess Saraswati, followed by prayers, mantras, and offerings. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and traditional dishes. Special emphasis is placed on offering books, pens, musical instruments, and art tools. After the puja, prasad is distributed, and children often participate in cultural activities.
6. Why do students avoid studying on Saraswati Puja?
On Saraswati Puja, students traditionally avoid studying or writing, as it is believed that learning should rest on this day and be offered symbolically to the goddess. This practice represents humility and respect toward knowledge. Instead of studying, students worship their books and pray for wisdom and success in the coming year.
7. What is Vidyarambham or Haate Khori?
Vidyarambham (also known as Haate Khori in Bengal) is a sacred ritual performed on Saraswati Puja, marking a child’s first step into education. During this ceremony, children are introduced to letters, numbers, or writing for the first time, seeking the blessings of Goddess Saraswati for a bright academic future.
8. What food is offered during Saraswati Puja?
Common offerings include sweets made of rice and jaggery, fruits, kheer, boondi, and yellow-coloured dishes. In many regions, simple vegetarian food is preferred. In Bengal, khichdi with vegetables is a popular bhog offering prepared with devotion.
9. What is the significance of the swan and veena?
The swan represents wisdom and discernment, the ability to separate good from bad, truth from ignorance. The veena symbolises harmony between intellect and emotion, reminding devotees that knowledge should be balanced with creativity and compassion.
10. Is Saraswati Puja only for students?
While students are central to Saraswati Puja celebrations, the festival is for everyone. Artists, professionals, educators, writers, and even business owners seek Goddess Saraswati’s blessings for clarity, innovation, and wisdom in their work and daily life.
11. How is Saraswati Puja celebrated in different regions?
In West Bengal and Bihar, Saraswati Puja is celebrated with grandeur, especially in schools and colleges. In South India, Saraswati is worshipped during Navaratri as part of the Saraswati Puja on Vijayadashami. Despite regional variations, the core spirit of devotion and reverence for knowledge remains the same.
12. What is the deeper spiritual meaning of Saraswati Puja?
Beyond rituals, Saraswati Puja reminds us of the importance of lifelong learning, humility, and inner clarity. It encourages individuals to seek knowledge not just for success, but for self-growth, ethical living, and enlightenment.
13. What is the Saraswati Puja Mantra for students?
The most powerful mantra chanted by students for memory and wisdom is:
Sanskrit: “Saraswati Namasthubhyam Varade Kamarupini | Vidyarambham Karishyami Siddhir Bhavatu Me Sada ||”
Meaning: "O Goddess Saraswati, salutations to you, the giver of boons and the fulfiller of wishes. I am beginning my studies; may there always be success for me."
14: What are the forbidden acts on Saraswati Puja?
To maintain the sanctity of the day, devotees follow these rules:
No Non-Veg: The food must be strictly vegetarian (Sattvic).
No Onion/Garlic: In many traditions, these are avoided in the Bhog.
The 'Kul' Rule: In Eastern India, eating the seasonal Jujube (Kul/Ber) fruit is forbidden before it is offered to the Goddess on this day.
No Abusive Language: As the goddess of speech, using harsh words on this day is considered inauspicious.
15. Can working professionals perform Saraswati Puja at the office?
Yes. Saraswati Puja is known as Ayudha Puja in some contexts for professionals.
Laptop Puja: Clean your laptop, keyboard, or main work tools.
The Ritual: Apply a small Tikka of sandalwood and turmeric on your device.
The Prayer: Chant the mantra once before starting your work on January 23rd to seek clarity in business and career growth.
Saraswati Puja is more than a religious observance; it is a celebration of learning, creativity, and wisdom. In a world driven by information, the festival gently reminds us that true knowledge comes with discipline, humility, and purpose. By honouring Goddess Saraswati, devotees reaffirm their commitment to learning and intellectual growth, making Saraswati Puja a timeless and meaningful tradition.
