The festival of Navratri is celebrated across the country. However, in the southern India states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, worships goddess Saraswati on the 9th day, which is the last day of Navratri. Southern India worships the goddess on either the sixth day or ninth day; and the Saraswati Puja celebration continues for the last 3 days.
Significance of the festival
As per tradition, Goddess Saraswati is believed to be the goddess of knowledge, music, art and wisdom. Students seek the divine blessings of the goddess in order to excel in studies, become wiser and knowledgeable. Goddess Saraswati is known to be the wife of Lord Brahma, the creator of this universe as per Hindu mythology. It is believed that the goddess manifests as Maha Saraswati on the last day of Navratri. In 2021, Saraswati Puja will be celebrated on October 12.
Puja Method
Devotees perform puja in front of either the Saraswati idol or picture. As per belief, there is a tradition of keeping 'kolu' in houses. The kolu represents the exhibition of miniature forms of Gods, Goddesses, animals, birds, spiritual personalities and artwork. Goddess Saraswati is dressed in white saree and has a white swan as her 'vahan'. Every day, devotees perform a special puja by offering white garland, white flowers, white rangoli, white sesame seeds, 'naivedya' prepared with rice and coconut. Devotees perform puja in white attire. It is believed that white lily is the favourite flower of the goddess.
Students present books, stationery items to the goddess during the three-day long Saraswati puja. On the last day, the items are taken back with her blessings.
Auspicious Timings
October 12, 11.27 am: Purva Ashadha Nakshatra starts
October 13, 10.19 am: Purva Ashadha Nakshatra ends
October 11, Monday, marks Saraswati Avahan
October 13, Wednesday, will see Saraswati Balidan
October 14, Thursday, will witness Saraswati Visarjan