Saraswati Puja

Put down that book! No reading is allowed today!

Saraswatai Debai Namaha by THRU THE LENSES (Ishandeb), on Flickr

When: 15th February 2013. 4th February 2014.
Where: Eastern India.

The Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of education and knowledge. In Bengali homes women and girls of all age wear a yellow sari and books are placed near the Goddess’ statue or picture in the belief that the divine goddess will shower blessings on the books.

Schools and other places of learning spend the day worshiping the goddess by offering food and performing other rituals (puja), but most importantly of all, book reading is not allowed on this day.

When is Sarawati Puja?

Well it depends on what part of the World you live in! In the eastern part of India, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihār and Assam, Saraswati Puja is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar and usually falls sometime in January or February. In 2013 it falls on the 15th February and in 2014 it falls on 4th February.

In the southern states of India, Saraswati Puja is conducted during Navaratri. In Bali the Saraswati festival takes place every 210 days.

Have you experienced Saraswati Puja yourself? If so, please tell us all about it! You can share your pics and videos on our facebook page too! Or if you just want to say hi, or leave a comment for any other reason, we’d love to hear from you.

Food & Drink

Food offerings and feasts comprise of Khichuri (a delicious rice and bean dish), Sabzi Kari (vegetable curry), fruit and sweets. Hindus do not drink alcohol, but Indian beers like Cobra or Tiger beer are available.

Travel to India

Dates / venues may be subject to change or cancellation. Distances may be straight-line estimates. Please verify information before booking.

Enjoy your trip! And when you’re home we’d love you to come back and tell us all about it!