Saraswati Pujo

For a Bangalis, Saraswati Puja or "Saraswati Pujo," is a major cultural and religious event, especially for students, artists, and educational institutions. Celebrated on Vasant Panchami, which falls in late January or early February, the festival marks the arrival of spring and honors Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and art.

Core rituals and traditions

• Auspicious day for learning: The day is considered highly auspicious for starting a new phase of learning. This tradition is known as Hatey Khori or Vidya Arambha, where young children are ceremonially introduced to the alphabet for the first time by a priest.
• Worship of knowledge: Students place their books, pens, musical instruments, and art supplies near the goddess's idol to seek her blessings. A common practice is to avoid touching books on the day of the puja, as the goddess is believed to be occupying them.
• Yellow is the theme: The color yellow symbolizes prosperity, knowledge, and the mustard fields that bloom during spring. Devotees wear yellow attire, and the goddess's idol is often adorned with yellow and white flowers, particularly the sacred palash flowers.
• Special food offerings: A strictly vegetarian feast is prepared for the puja. Traditional dishes include: Kooler chutney (Indian plum chutney), Khichuri (rice and lentils) Labra (mixed vegetables), Various fried vegetables and sweets like naru, moya, and payesh.
• Community and family celebrations: While many families hold the puja at home, schools and colleges across West Bengal host grand celebrations. In Kolkata, temporary decorative structures called pandals are set up in neighborhoods.

A social festival for young people: In addition to its religious significance, Saraswati Pujo has a distinct social element as a "Bengali Valentine's Day" is famously known as "Bong's Valentine's Day.