
img credits: vecteezy
As we delve into the vibrant cultural tapestry of Odisha, one festival stands out for its reverence to knowledge and arts – Saraswati Puja 2025. This year, let’s explore how this significant festival is celebrated in the land of Jagannath, Odisha.
Date and Time for Saraswati Puja 2025
Mark your calendars! Saraswati Puja 2025 in Odisha is set to be celebrated on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The auspicious time for the puja, known as the Saraswati Puja Muhurat, spans from 7:10 AM to 12:40 PM.
This day coincides with Basant Panchami, welcoming the onset of spring and is a vibrant celebration of learning and creativity.
Rituals of Saraswati Puja 2025
Preparation: Devotees start the day by taking an early morning bath, often in holy rivers or at home, symbolizing purification.
Setting the Altar: An idol or picture of Goddess Saraswati is placed on a decorated altar. She is adorned with flowers, typically yellow ones like marigolds, signifying the spring season.
Offerings: Devotees offer books, pens, musical instruments, and other learning materials near the idol. These items are not used until the puja is completed, symbolizing respect for knowledge.
Mantras and Prayers: The puja includes chanting of mantras like “Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah,” along with Saraswati Vandana and other hymns dedicated to the goddess of wisdom.
Pushpanjali: A special offering of flowers is made to the goddess while reciting specific mantras, asking for blessings in education and arts.
Cultural Programs: Schools and colleges often host cultural events, showcasing the talents of students through music, dance, and drama, all forms of art attributed to Saraswati.
Celebrations of Saraswati Puja 2025 in Odisha
In Odisha, Saraswati Puja 2025 is celebrated with a unique blend of fervor and serenity:
Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges are the epicenters of celebration. They organize pujas, and students dress in traditional attire, often in shades of yellow, which is considered auspicious.
Public Celebrations: Temples dedicated to Saraswati, like the famous Saraswati temple in Puri, see an influx of devotees. The atmosphere is filled with the sounds of bhajans and the fragrance of incense.
Art and Literature: This day is also about recognizing and promoting local art forms, literature, and music. Special events and competitions are held, celebrating the cultural richness of Odisha.
Community Gatherings: Families and friends gather for communal feasts, sharing traditional Odia sweets like ‘Mohanbhog’ and ‘Khiri’ which are made in yellow hues to match the theme of the festival.
Significance of Saraswati Puja 2025
Saraswati Puja 2025 holds profound significance:
Worship of Knowledge: As the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati’s worship is pivotal for students, scholars, and anyone seeking intellectual growth. It’s a day to pray for clarity of thought, creativity, and academic success.
Cultural Continuity: The festival emphasizes the importance of arts and culture in society, promoting the preservation and propagation of traditional knowledge and arts.
Spring’s Arrival: It marks the arrival of spring, a season of renewal, which aligns with the theme of new beginnings in education and learning.
Community Bonding: It brings the community together in a celebration of shared values, fostering a sense of togetherness and cultural pride.
Initiation for Children: Young children often start their education formally on this day, known as ‘Hathe Khori’ or ‘Vidyaarambham’, where they write their first letters.
As we approach Saraswati Puja 2025, let’s embrace the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich traditions of Odisha, celebrating the pursuit of knowledge and the arts. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this festival offers a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of learning and creativity.
So, gear up to welcome Saraswati with open hearts and minds, and may her blessings bring enlightenment to all. Happy Saraswati Puja 2025!