Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
As the gentle whispers of spring rustle, the vibrant Hindu festival of Saraswati Puja eagerly awaits its grand entrance. This auspicious occasion, graced by the presence of Goddess Saraswati, holds a cherished spot in the hearts of people across the Nepali landscape. In Nepal, the celebration of this festival is specifically observed during Basanta Panchami, symbolizing the onset of the spring season. Here’s a brief overview of the festival, its history, how it is celebrated in Nepal, and much more.
Saraswati Puja
Deity: Goddess Saraswati is honoured as the deity of knowledge, recognized as the origin of intelligence and creativity. Her blessings inspire innovation and wisdom, shaping art, music, science, and education. In Sanskrit, “Saras” means flow, and “Wati” means bearer, signifying Saraswati as the one with a continuous flow of wisdom. Additionally, “Sara” means essence, and “Swati” means self, portraying her as the essence of self-knowledge. Seated on a white lotus and adorned in a white Sari, she possesses four hands holding a Veena, a Book, and a rosary. Her divine companion is a White Swan, symbolizing purity and transcendence.
Importance: Saraswati Puja is important to students, artists, and intellectuals. Those observing the festival fervently seek the goddess’s blessings to attain academic success, excel in artistic pursuits, and acquire wisdom.
History
In Hindu mythology, the tale unfolds with Lord Brahma, the creator of the trinity, feeling disheartened by the silence and loneliness of the newly created Earth. To remedy this, he sprinkled water from his Kamandal in the air, giving birth to an angel with a Veena (lute). Brahma requested the angel, now known as Goddess Saraswati, to play music and spread happiness, breaking the silence on Earth. This symbolic gesture not only marked the birth of Saraswati but also granted humanity the precious gift of speech. Saraswati Puja, therefore, celebrates not only the goddess’s creation but also the bestowing of wisdom, discernment, and knowledge upon mankind. Devotees actively dedicate this day to pursuing enlightenment and expressing creativity with joy.
How is Saraswati Puja Celebrated in Nepal
Offerings of Garlands, Tika, and Sweets: The main ritual involves the puja (worship) of Goddess Saraswati. Devotees offer the goddess flowers, fruits, sweets, and other traditional items. Seeking her blessings for academic success, students often place their books and musical instruments at the goddess’s feet. This act symbolizes the reverence and aspiration for knowledge.
Saraswati Vandana: Devotees actively recite Saraswati Vandana, a collection of devotional hymns and prayers, to seek the blessings of the goddess. These sacred rituals unfold in schools, homes, and public gatherings, creating a harmonious atmosphere of reverence and devotion.
या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता
या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना।
या ब्रह्माच्युत-शंकरप्रभृतिभिर्देवैः सदा वन्दिता
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निःशेषजाड्यापहा।।
Translation:
Oh Goddess Saraswati, fair as the jasmine flower or moon, draped in pure white,
Seated on a white lotus with a veena in hand, whom Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and other gods worship,
May she protect me, the divine Saraswati, and remove all obstacles from my path of knowledge and wisdom.
Temple Visits: Devotees embark on pilgrimages to temples dedicated to Saraswati, with Pashupatinath Temple and Swoyambhunath Temple in Kathmandu being significant pilgrimage sites for this occasion. For an enriching tourist experience, a visit to Swoyambhu reveals a lively display of youthful enthusiasm, transforming the temple into an animated canvas pulsating with the spirit of education. The walls burst with the energetic scribbles of letters, numbers, and children’s names, vividly portraying each step in their educational adventure. This visual representation encapsulates the joy and excitement that permeate the atmosphere, making it a dynamic celebration of learning.
Cultural Extravaganza: Educational institutions come alive with cultural programs featuring music, dance, and recitations, showcasing students’ talents.
Yellow Attire Tradition: The predominant colour associated with Saraswati Puja is yellow. Devotees, especially students, don yellow clothes to symbolize the vibrancy of spring and the blossoming of knowledge.
Conclusion
Saraswati Puja is not merely a festival; it’s a cultural extravaganza that paints the Nepali landscape with hues of joy, knowledge, and the promise of a flourishing spring. As the goddess Saraswati graces the festivities, may this celebration usher in a season of renewal, creativity, and shared moments of bliss across Nepal.
