TODAY SARASWATI PUJA IN INDIA FOR STUDENTS.

Saraswati Puja is celebrated all over India by Hindus. Saraswati is the goddess for Education, Arts and Crafts. This festival is held in the month of Magh (January-February). It is a festival celebrated by the youth, particularly students who invoke the blessings of the goddess for success in learning, arts and crafts. Saraswati Pooja is celebrated as Basant Punjami OR Vasanat Punjami in many states of India. Bakdevi, Biraj, Sarada, Brahmi, Satarupa, Mahasweta, Sarbasukia, Prithudar, Bagiswari are some of the names of the Goddess Saraswati.Amongst all the Hindu deities, Saraswati stands out as the most controversial. Such was her beauty and grace that Brahma pursued her. As she fled in different directions a head appeared and so Brahma is attributed with five heads, she was the most unique creation of Brahma.

Methods for Saraswati Puja to worship Goddess Saraswati

The idol is decorated in white, representing purity. The place where the idol is kept for the Pooja is decorated with floral designs or Rangolois and the design of a fish is considered auspicious. Although different states of India follow different methods to follow, following is the method of worship commonly followed by majority of the Indian people:

Family members bathe early and dress in yellow attire and assemble in front of the Goddess. A flat low stool made of wood is covered with yellow cloth and the idol is placed on it, facing East direction. Then, the face of the idol remains covered till the priest begins chanting the mantras at the commencement of the puja. A green coconut is placed on an earthen pot with a red checked cotton cloth called Gamcha. The actual puja flowers are used but the most significant is the Palash or flame of the forest and marigold flowers. In the southern part of the country, Lotus and other fragrant flowers like jasmine are offered.
Books of the students are placed before the Goddess.Main puja offerings are fruits and sweets like puffed rice ,jaggery and yoghourt.The earthen pot is tied with a string which will be only untied by the priest before immersion day.Havan is performed using special wood ,ghee,joss sticks and incense.ABSENCE OF BURNT SMELL MEANS THE SUCCESS OF THE PUJA.A diya is kept lit with the prasad.Aarti is performed by the person morning and evening and the lit lamp is passed around to the devotees for blessing.THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE PUJA IS THAT NOBODY TOUCHES THE BOOKS ON THAT DAY.
Vegetarian food is to be eaten that day.Young kids are asked to write for the first time the alphabets by the priest.THE FIRST STEP TAKEN FOR THE ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE.