Bhubaneswar, Feb 2: People across Odisha are joyously celebrating Saraswati Puja today with traditional fervor and devotion. On this sacred day, Goddess Saraswati, the revered deity of wisdom, music, and learning is worshipped.
Saraswati Puja, also known as Vasant Panchami, is celebrated on the fifth day of the Magha month (January-February) and holds great importance in Hinduism.
The festival is being observed with pomp and gaiety across Odisha, with educational institutions, cultural organizations, and local communities coming together to conduct ‘Homa’ (also known as havan, a fire ritual) and offer prayers to Goddess Saraswati. Devotees of all ages participated in the festivities, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual significance of Saraswati Puja.
The festival is marked by elaborate rituals, traditions, vibrant decorations, and heartfelt devotion.
One of the key traditions of the festival is ‘Aksharabhyasam’, a ritual that initiates young children into education. This auspicious ceremony marks a child's first step into the world of learning. Many parents organized special events where priests or teachers guided young learners in writing their first letters, symbolizing the beginning of their academic journey.
For children, Saraswati Puja holds special significance as it is regarded as a no-study day. Excited to set aside their textbooks, students actively took part in rituals conducted at educational institutions, community clubs, and households.
The ceremonies began early in the morning with priests chanting Vedic hymns. To seek the goddess' blessings, students placed their books, pens, and musical instruments near the idol with a belief that it would bring them wisdom and academic success.
Not only for children, women and girls along with men and boys in traditional wears gathered to offer prayers and flowers to the deity. Families in cities, towns, and villages participated in the puja, sharing prasad as part of the joyous celebrations.
