Saraswati Puja- The day for the deity of knowledge, art and music

Saraswati Puja is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Nepal. It usually falls in the month of February. Saraswati Puja is also known as Shree Panchami or Basanta Panchami.

Saraswati is a four-handed HIndu goddess, seated on a white lotus. Her bahaan (vehicle) is a white swan. She holds the Veena (a plucked string instrument), a book and a garland in her hands.

On this day, Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, art, and culture is worshipped. It is believed, Saraswati Puja or Shree Panchami is the best day to start learning new things. The day is very auspicious, especially for students. The wall of the Swaraswati temples exhibit Nepali alphabets and numbers.

Students also worship goddess Saraswati with a great respect by offering varieties of sweets, garlands, and tika. They worship books, pens, notebooks, and other instruments. Musician too worships his or her instruments.

Children are given their first writing and reading lessons at the temple during this festival in the belief that the goddess of education Saraswati will help them excel in education.

According to Hindu myth, Sarawati Puja is also regarded as the best day to get married or to start up a new business. Many religious words or songs are chanted on this day with great joys and excitements, exchanging greetings and learning new things.