Saraswati Pooja 2023 in South India

Saraswati Pooja is an important festival in South India, where it is either observed on the sixth day, or on the ninth/tenth day of the Navaratri festival depending on the state in which the festival is celebrated. Saraswati Pooja is observed on the same day as Ayudha Puja in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The 10th day or ‘Dussera’ is also included in the celebrations of Saraswati Pooja.

Saraswati Pooja 2023 is on October 23, Monday

Saraswati Avahan: 20, Friday • Saraswati Balidan: 22, Sunday • Saraswati Visarjan: 22, Sunday • Ayudha Puja: 23, Monday • Vidyarambham : 24, Tuesday

Navami Tithi Timing : October 22, 7:59 pm - October 23, 5:45 pm

In the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Saraswati Puja is celebrated on the 9th day (last day of Navratri) alongside Ayudha puja whereas in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh it is observed on the 10th day (Dussera).

However in the western and northern parts of India, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped for 4 days during the auspicious Navaratri period. The puja begins with Saraswati Avahan, followed by Saraswati Puja, on 3rd day Saraswati Balidan is done and the ceremonies end with Saraswati Visarjan.

On the occasion of Saraswati Pooja, devotees worship Devi Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom.

In Southern India, on the following day of Saraswati Pooja, children aged between 4-5 years, begin their Vidyarambham or Akshara Abhyasam ceremony. Saraswati Pooja is among the most grandly celebrated and revered festivals.

Rituals during Navratri Saraswati Pooja:

During the Saraswati Pooja, as a part of the Navratri celebrations there is a tradition of displaying ‘Kolu’ in households. Kolu refers to showcasing and displaying miniature forms of Gods, Goddesses, animals, birds, spiritual personalities and art work to name a few. People, who do not display a Kolu, use an idol or picture of Goddess Saraswati to perform the puja.

Have you seen: Beautiful Pics of Durga Puja Celebrations?

On all the days of Navratri Puja, devotees perform special puja of the Kolu and make several offerings. As white color is known to be the preferred color of Goddess Saraswati, most of the offerings are made in this color.

A garland made from white flowers is offered to Goddess Saraswati. During the South Saraswati Puja, use of white lily is considered to be very auspicious. It is believed that offering white lily bestows generous blessings of Goddess Saraswati.

On the day of South Saraswati Pooja, children also offer note books and stationery items to the Goddess. It is believed that children, who are weak in studies, should chant hymns or shlokas dedicated to Goddess Saraswati on this day.

Important Timings On Saraswati Pooja 2023

Significance of Navratri Saraswati Puja:

The festival of Saraswati pooja is dedicated to Devi Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, wisdom, arts and education. According to Hindu legends, Goddess Saraswati is a part of the trinity Goddess and on the last day of Navratri is manifested as Maha Saraswati. The ninth day is also called Maha Navami.

Know More:The Fine Art of Mastering Dandiya Raas and Garba Dance.

As per the mythological stories, it was on this day that Goddess Saraswati created powerful weapons to kill the demon named ‘Magishasuran’. The weapons were then considered to be Holy and people began to worship them. This tradition is followed till date and began to be celebrated as ‘Ayudha Puja’. On this chosen day, people worship their tools and weapons, used in day-to-day life.

During the Navratri celebrations in South India, the first 8 days are dedicated to varied forms of Goddess Shakti and last day is devoted completely to Goddess Saraswati.