Tuesday 11 February 2014

Saraswati Puja 2014

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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.

28 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. Thanks Alok :) Yes, Saraswati Puja is special with warm memories :)

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  2. Nice coverage!
    The best part is bhog. :)

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    1. Thanks Indrani!
      Yes, the Bhog is simply divine :)

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  3. 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.

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    1. Thanks Arti :)
      We 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!

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  4. 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. :)

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    1. Don't we all, Preethi! Festivals bring out the fun, excitement & celebrations :)
      I share your loves :)

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  5. I have never been part of one in spite of my profession! :D

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    1. I welcome you, Mridula, for our next celebration! This is my open invitation to you! You'll surely love being a part of it!

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  6. Nice colours of festive time :-) Lovely post :-)

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  7. Khub sundor murti Anita.. loved it.

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  8. This 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.

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    1. How the memories are still alive! Festivals do this to us :)
      Maa Saraswati loves the 'ber' & so do I :)

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  9. 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

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    1. Belated Star/Nakshatra Birthday wishes for you then :)
      Yes, we are not supposed to study on Saraswati Puja :) Rather place all our books at her feet for blessings!

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  10. It feels good when all family and friends get together to celebrate festivals. Thanks for sharing :)

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    1. Very true, Prasanna. We feel blessed to celebrate together :)
      Thanks for reading :)

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  11. Ah! It took me back to my days in odisha. I remember keeping pile of books in front of the murti and praying.

    Nice post! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by & sharing your memories :)
      Feels nice to walk down the memory-lane, right?
      Saraswati Puja is a big event in Odisha.

      Delete
  12. Wowww.... A bengali postie! :) I loved it, Anita! :)

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  13. I love Ma..in all forms. Thank you for sharing!
    www.numerounity.com

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Your words mean a lot to me.

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