Saraswati Puja 2022: 7 Fun Facts

Like every year, Saraswati Puja 2022 will be celebrated on 5th Feb. Also known by the name of Vasant Panchami, it is an auspicious festival of India. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped with all devotion and dedication. In one of my previous articles, I had discussed the significance of the festival. You can read it to know more about puja. But today I will like to share some fun facts about the festival. I am sure you will enjoy reading the facts of Saraswati Puja 2022.

Traditional yellow dress

There is a popular belief to wear yellow colored clothes during the festival. Men, women, and children drape themselves in yellow dresses. Yellow is considered to be symbolic of Saraswati Puja 2022. The color twines with the spring season as the flowers bloom all over. People offer yellow flowers especially marigolds to the Goddess to worship Her and seek Her blessings. The vibrant color spreads an aura of brightness and cheerfulness.

Initiation of studies

In India, it is a customary belief that a child's study must start after writing for the first time in front of Goddess Saraswati. As per the Hindu mythology, she is considered as the Goddess for knowledge. Her blessings are needed for striving good in future. A ceremony called “Hate Khori” (colloquial word in Bengali language) is organized where the kid writes the first letters of the local language on a black board with white chalk. It symbolizes the start of the academic life of a child.

Introduction of “Jujube” or “Kool”

The fruit called “Kool” or Indian Jujube is consumed first after offering it to the Goddess during the puja. It still remains a speciality of every household; especially in Bengal during Saraswati Puja 2022. None of the devotees consume the fruit before the festival. Jujube is widely appreciated in Bengal. Recipes include pickles, eating raw and chutneys.

Celebrations in schools and colleges

The pandemic has restricted many gatherings. But in a normal situation, Saraswati Puja is celebrated in many schools and colleges in the state of west bengal. Students deck up in yellow dresses and perform the rituals. They participate in the decoration and drawing the traditional “Alpona” or colourful motifs on the floor. Saraswati Puja 2022, due to the pandemic, will be mostly celebrated in individual households since schools and colleges are fully operational yet offline.

Rangolis

Saraswati is worshipped as Goddess of art too. As a dedication to the Goddess, many artists, and painters create wonderful Rangolis in temples, puja gatherings and in their individual houses. They use different colours and coloring medium to create artistic patterns. The artistic talent is truly to be appreciated and to be amazed of.

Chanting of Mantras

Special mantras are chanted during Saraswati puja to offer prayers to the Goddess. Devotees seek Her blessings by chanting:

“Sarasvati namastubhyam
Varade Kamarupini
Vidyarambham Karishyami
Siddhir Bhavatu Me Sada“

India's Valentines Day

We know the world celebrates Valentines Day on 14th February. In India, especially in West Bengal, many young couples celebrate Valentines Day on the day of the Saraswati puja. It is a common sight to see lovebirds strolling across the towns hand in hand with each other, enjoying the bright weather and the vibes of the festival.

Hope you enjoyed reading the fun facts of Saraswati Puja. Do please share your feedback and comments.