Saraswati Puja 2024: Day-wise Schedule, Muhurat, and Significance of Rituals

Maa Saraswati

Saraswati Puja is a revered festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, wisdom, music, and art. In 2024, this auspicious occasion will be celebrated over several days, beginning on Wednesday, October 9 and culminating on Sunday, October 13. The festival is particularly significant for students and those seeking wisdom and learning, as they offer their prayers to the goddess.

Saraswati Puja Schedule 2024

Saraswati Puja is observed on two main occasions in the Hindu calendar:

1. Vasant Panchami: This is celebrated during the Magh month (January/February) and is particularly popular in states like West Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. On this day, students worship Goddess Saraswati, seeking her blessings for wisdom and knowledge. The puja is typically a single-day affair, though in West Bengal, some families may immerse the idol on the third day.
2. Sharad Navratri: This celebration occurs in the Ashwin month (September/October) and is more prevalent in South Indian states such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala. During Navratri, Saraswati Puja lasts for four days, where various rituals are performed on specific Nakshatras, including:
   • Saraswati Avahan during Mula Nakshatra
   • Saraswati Puja during Purva Ashadha Nakshatra
   • Saraswati Balidan during Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra
   • Saraswati Immersion during Shravana Nakshatra

The significance of Saraswati Puja extends beyond mere rituals; it is a celebration of knowledge, creativity, and the arts. Devotees believe that worshipping Goddess Saraswati can enhance learning and foster artistic talents. Students especially participate in the rituals with fervour, eager to receive blessings for their academic pursuits.

Additionally, during the Saraswati Puja, educational institutions often organise events, and children are introduced to writing, marking a new beginning in their educational journey. The immersion ceremony signifies the conclusion of the festivities, reminding devotees of the impermanence of worldly attachments.

As we approach Saraswati Puja in October 2024, it is a time for reflection and celebration of knowledge and learning. Whether you are a student seeking academic success or simply someone who appreciates the arts, participating in this festival can be a deeply enriching experience. May the blessings of Goddess Saraswati illuminate your path with wisdom, creativity, and understanding.