Saraswati Puja is an important festival
celebrated in India, especially in Eastern India in the states of Odisha, West
Bengal...
It is also called Vasant Panchami or Shree
Panchami.
It is held on the fifth day of the Indian month of Magha.
This year too it was held with traditional fervor
on February 4th 2014.
On Saraswati Puja, we pay homage to Maa
Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, music, art, crafts and culture.
As we wish
to attain knowledge, we invoke Maa Saraswati!
I have fond memories of Saraswati Puja as over
the years, Mom ensured we celebrated it without fail in our home!
In our
Apartment Complex, we celebrate the Saraswati Puja each year. All the kids, including mine, get some of their
books (subjects they fear the most!) to get Maa Saraswati’s blessings!
Earlier, in January, we had a meeting in our Housing Society, in which the duties
and plans of members were decided. Yours truly was unanimously elected as the Treasurer of
the Puja Fund! Money was collected, number of heads estimated, shopping for
the Puja requirements done, Caterer intimated for Lunch & Dinner provisions, Purohit
(Priest) was informed…
On Saraswati Puja, we had just made the arrangements
when the Purohit arrived before time!
The Puja started at 8 AM and ended with the
Pushpanjali (Flower-offerings) at about 8:45 AM. There was Arati & Blessings too.
All the members, who were present, participated.
That's the beauty of Incredible India where we unitedly celebrate Festivals.
There was Prasad distribution.
Then, at 1 PM, we had yummy Lunch - Khichdi, Mixed Vegetables, Baiguni, Chutney, Papad, Sweet.
The Purohit arrived again in the evening at 5:20
PM for the Sandhya Arati.
We had
a fun Antakshari (no prizes for that!) that continued till Dinner-time!
Dinner's menu was one of my favorites- Kachori, Aloo Dum, Chutney & Sweet - Boondi.
I forgot to take pics of the Lunch & Dinner
as I was too busy eating & keeping track of the head count for the Meal-billing.
The next day morning i.e. on 5th
February 2013, the Purohit arrived before 8 AM to perform the Puja. There was
Prasad Distribution.
At 5 PM, it was time to bid the Goddess adieu.
After
the rituals, the idol of Maa Saraswati found its way out of our Housing Society’s
gate. I had a lump in my throat as usual.
See you, Maa Saraswati, again next year!
Note- All the images belong to me. Please do not copy or use without my permission.
Note- All the images belong to me. Please do not copy or use without my permission.
Awesome Anita, Thanks for sharing pics and details, you reminded me my childhood days. Am missing all these things badly. Will try that next year I will also attend the Puja at my school.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alok :) Yes, Saraswati Puja is special with warm memories :)
DeleteNice coverage!
ReplyDeleteThe best part is bhog. :)
Thanks Indrani!
DeleteYes, the Bhog is simply divine :)
Great post on the festival Anita. :) So little is blogged about it in the blogosphere, this is the first time I am reading a personal account on it. The deity of Goddess looks life-like.
ReplyDeleteThanks Arti :)
DeleteWe are privileged to belong to Incredible India, the land of WOW Festivals :)
I am so glad you liked it! Yes, Goddess's statue looks real, sweet & lovely!
I love festivals...especially the bhajans, the yummy prasada and the food. There is something about the rituals that bring peace and harmony. I wait for these festivals like a kid. :)
ReplyDeleteDon't we all, Preethi! Festivals bring out the fun, excitement & celebrations :)
DeleteI share your loves :)
Wow! Very nice post! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Amrita :)
DeleteI have never been part of one in spite of my profession! :D
ReplyDeleteI welcome you, Mridula, for our next celebration! This is my open invitation to you! You'll surely love being a part of it!
DeleteNice colours of festive time :-) Lovely post :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Nagini :) Delighted :)
DeleteKhub sundor murti Anita.. loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maniparna :) Did you celebrate it?
DeleteThis used to be a highlight of our school.Every year we celebrated this festival with lots of enthusiasm.Yes we used to give anjuli and we got big yellow bers for prasad.
ReplyDeleteHow the memories are still alive! Festivals do this to us :)
DeleteMaa Saraswati loves the 'ber' & so do I :)
Saraswati Puja was a bigger celebration for me - it IS my Star B'day as well :) No wonder I kept all work in the Puja room and am relaxing :P
ReplyDeleteBelated Star/Nakshatra Birthday wishes for you then :)
DeleteYes, we are not supposed to study on Saraswati Puja :) Rather place all our books at her feet for blessings!
It feels good when all family and friends get together to celebrate festivals. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteVery true, Prasanna. We feel blessed to celebrate together :)
DeleteThanks for reading :)
Ah! It took me back to my days in odisha. I remember keeping pile of books in front of the murti and praying.
ReplyDeleteNice post! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by & sharing your memories :)
DeleteFeels nice to walk down the memory-lane, right?
Saraswati Puja is a big event in Odisha.
Wowww.... A bengali postie! :) I loved it, Anita! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Preeti :) Celebrations are fun :)
DeleteI love Ma..in all forms. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletewww.numerounity.com
I love all the Maa. Thanks for reading :)
Delete