Saraswati Puja 2024:?Vasant Panchami, derived from 'Vasant' meaning 'spring' and 'panchami' signifying 'fifth', heralds the onset of spring on the fifth day of the Hindu lunar month of Magha (typically falling in January-February in the Gregorian calendar). This festival marks the transition from winter to spring, symbolizing renewal and rejuvenation.
It's a day of reverence to Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge, wisdom, learning, and art, whose birthday is celebrated on Vasant Panchami. Devotees seek her blessings for enlightenment and understanding.
Across India, devotees rise early, adorning themselves in yellow attire, believed to be the favored color of Goddess Saraswati. They indulge in sharing yellow sweets and snacks, and engage in puja rituals.
In Bengal, Saraswati Pujo is observed with elaborate decorations featuring alpana arts adorning homes. Offerings of flowers, fruits, and homemade desserts like naru, moya, chal makha, and dal makha are presented to the Goddess, followed by the distribution of prasads among neighbors. The occasion also sees young people coming together dressed in traditional ethnic attire, adding vibrancy to the celebrations.
Vasant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja in West Bengal, holds great anticipation for many young students in the state. In Kolkata, Saraswati Puja is fondly referred to as 'Bong's Valentine¡¯s Day.' The occasion witnesses young couples throughout Bengal dressed in traditional attire, often donning shades of yellow, walking together hand in hand.
In Kolkata, Saraswati Puja is affectionately referred to as the 'Bong's Valentine¡¯s Day'. This endearing nickname reflects the romantic ambiance that envelops the city on this occasion. Throughout Bengal, one can witness young couples elegantly dressed in traditional attire, often in shades of yellow, strolling together hand in hand, adding a touch of romance to the festivities.
On Saraswati Puja, a tradition ensues where students place their textbooks, notebooks, pens, pencils, and reference materials under the benevolent gaze of the goddess, believing in her blessings for academic success. As a result, they often claim a well-deserved break from their studies.
In Bengal, single-gender schools have long been favored for education, with even prestigious institutions being exclusively for either boys or girls. There was a prevalent notion that failing to secure admission in one of these single-gender schools meant attending a co-educational institution. However, on the day of Saraswati Puja, norms shift as groups of boys visit girls' schools and hostels, and vice versa, to witness the Saraswati pujas. This day allows for relaxed social boundaries, with students mingling freely, chatting, walking, sharing meals, joking around, and capturing moments in photographs - all without facing societal disapproval.
Saraswati Puja thus becomes a day when students of opposite genders can legitimately take a break from their academic routines and familial obligations, enjoying a day of camaraderie and relaxation.
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