Saraswati Puja on Vasant Panchami 2024
The auspicious occasion of Vasant Panchami in 2024 will be celebrated on feb 14th. This day is dedicated to Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, music, arts, science, and technology. On Vasant Panchami, Saraswati Puja is performed to seek the blessings of Maa Saraswati. The day is also known as Shri Panchami and Saraswati Panchami.
Significance of Vasant Panchami
Vasant Panchami marks the start of spring season. People worship Goddess Saraswati on this day to gain enlightenment, knowledge, and overcome laziness and ignorance. Schools and colleges arrange pujas to seek blessings for a prosperous academic year ahead. It is also an ideal day to initiate education for children, referred to as Akshar-Abhyasam or Vidya-Arambham/Praasana.
Determining the Day of Vasant Panchami
Vasant Panchami day is determined based on Purvahna Kala, the period between sunrise and midday, on the day when Panchami Tithi prevails. Due to this, Vasant Panchami may also fall on Chaturthi Tithi on rare occasions.
Many astrologers consider Vasant Panchami an Abujha (auspicious) day to commence any new venture. The entire day is deemed suitable to perform Puja.
Timing for Saraswati Puja
Though the entire day is considered auspicious, Saraswati Puja should be performed when Panchami Tithi prevails, normally during Purvahna Kala. As Panchami Tithi may not prevail for the full day, it is recommended to do the puja when the tithi is ongoing.
Saraswati Puja Rituals and Celebrations
On Vasant Panchami day, devotees wake up early and take a ritual bath. Wearing yellow or spring colored clothes, they carry out the puja with flowers, fruits, incense and other offerings to the goddess. Devotional songs and mantras are chanted while seeking blessings.
Schools and colleges arrange elaborated pujas and cultural programs. Books, musical instruments, and other educational tools are placed near the idol and worshipped. Students pay homage to the goddess while seeking her blessings for their studies.
Many young children are introduced to their first words, letters, and books on this day. The rituals for initiating education, Akshar-Abhyasam or Vidya-Arambham, are also conducted.
People visit temples, offer yellow flowers to the deity and participate in community feasts. The color yellow signifies knowledge and spring season. Kite flying festivals are also held in some parts of the country to mark Vasant Panchami.
Saraswati Puja Time in 2024
– Vasant Panchami: wednesday, 14-02- 2024
– Panchami Tithi begins: 4:57 AM
Considering the Tithi timing, the ideal period to perform Puja is during Purvahna Kala between sunrise and midday. Devotees should conduct the puja on Vasant Panchami day while Panchami Tithi prevails.
Vasant Panchami is a festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the source of knowledge and wisdom. Performing Puja on this auspicious day brings enlightenment and vibrancy to begin new ventures. The day is determined when Panchami Tithi prevails during Purvahna Kala. In 2024, the puja should be done on January 26 as per the Panchami tithi. Worshipping Maa Saraswati on this day dispels ignorance and renews the quest for knowledge.
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