By Jayani Pandit (Grade 7B)
Saraswati Puja, in honor of the Hindu goddess Saraswati, is a festival that marks the preparation for the arrival of spring and is observed by Nepal, India, and Bangladesh during the month of Magha (January–February). Hinduism places a lot of importance on the goddess Saraswati, who is associated with study, creativity, wisdom, language, and purity. On this day, hundreds to thousands of followers welcome the goddess of learning and pray that they will be successful in acquiring knowledge and wisdom.
People worship the goddess Saraswati by placing books and other reading materials close to her statue or image. On this auspicious day of Saraswati Puja, children are encouraged to write their first words. A floral gift called “Pushpanjali” is also offered to appease the Goddess of Knowledge. In addition to that, as yellow is thought to be Goddess Saraswati’s favorite color, devotees wear it to symbolize the blossoming of mustard fields.
This year, the festival fell on 26 January 2023. The students of Premier International IB Continuum School participated in Saraswati Puja by praying at the preschool building turn by turn according to their grade levels. Following their offering to the goddess of learning, the students received ‘prasad’ from the school, which included ‘halwa’, ‘buniya’, and a variety of fruits. Additionally, interested parents were welcome to attend the puja with some offerings from 7 am to witness Saraswati Puja.
Students worship goddess Saraswati specifically for the purpose of acquiring learning and knowledge, making Saraswati Puja a significant day for both devotees and those seeking to obtain knowledge and wisdom. She bestows insight, memory, and knowledge and grants her followers fame, and happiness.
