Saraswati Puja 2024: Celebrating the Goddess of Knowledge During Navratri

Saraswati Puja, a revered occasion celebrated by Hindus, honors Maa Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and the arts. In 2024, this significant event will take place on Wednesday, October 9, coinciding with the Mula Nakshatra during the Navratri festival. This occasion is of particular importance for students and individuals seeking enlightenment and success in their educational and creative pursuits.

The Mula Nakshatra begins in the early hours of October 9, 2024, at 4:08 AM, and concludes at 5:15 AM on October 10, 2024. The Avahan muhurat, the auspicious time for invoking the goddess, is set from 10:25 AM to 04:42 PM on October 9. Devotees believe that conducting rituals during this nakshatra enhances their effectiveness, thereby amplifying the blessings received from the goddess.

Saraswati Puja is observed twice a year — during Vasant Panchami in January or February, and during the Sharad Navratri in September or October. The latter is especially celebrated in South Indian states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where the puja spans several days, with each marked by distinct rituals, starting with Saraswati Avahan.

The rituals on October 9, 2024, will see devotees dressing in yellow, a color associated with learning and prosperity. They will offer sweets and place books and instruments before the deity, seeking her blessings. The day also features cultural programs, and traditionally, children write their names for the first time.

A similar celebration continues on October 10, 2024, with the Purvashadha Nakshatra beginning at 5:15 AM. The Purvashadha Puja muhurat lasts from 11:22 AM to 5:27 PM. It is during this time that devotees offer prayers seeking wisdom and acknowledge Lord Kamadeva. Some also perform Pitra Tarpan to honor their ancestors.

Saraswati Puja holds immense religious significance in Hinduism, as devotees express gratitude and seek divine guidance for wisdom and creativity. The rituals are a testament to the profound impact of Maa Saraswati on the cultural and intellectual life of the community.