140 Millwick Drive, North York ON M9L 1Y6
140 Millwick Drive, North York ON M9L 1Y6
II “সরস্বতী মহাভাগে বিদ্যেকমললোচনে, বিশ্বরূপে বিশালাক্ষী বিদ্যাং দেহি নমস্তুতে। জয় জয় দেবী চরাচর সারে, কুচযুগশোভিত মুক্তাহারে। বীণারঞ্জিত পুস্তক হস্তে, ভগবতী ভারতী দেবী নমোস্তুতে ” II
Saraswati Puja! — Another most cherished divine celebration of Indian culture — a festival of art and wisdom. Not just kids but teenagers, people of almost all age groups embrace the vibrancy of this auspicious occasion in their own way.
All dressed in basanti color (yellow) sarees and kurtas seek the blessing of Maa Saraswati for greater sagacity and awakening of higher creative essence in within.
Though the festival is popular in the eastern part of India, knowledge is for all. The celebration of learning, joy, and delight spreads beyond borders. Observed with great enthusiasm, especially among students and children, Saraswati Puja is a vibrant blend of devotion, tradition, and fun.
In Hinduism, people revere Goddess Saraswati as the ultimate source of enlightenment. Often depicted in a serene white saree, she symbolizes purity and wisdom. Holding a veena (a musical instrument), a book, and a rosary, representing music, learning, and spirituality.
She is the grace of speaking with beauty, clarity, and truth. Hindus believe that worshiping Maa Saraswati on this day brings clarity, removes ignorance, and arrogance, and sharpens intellect.
According to holy scriptures, Saraswati is the great mother of the ancient Vedas, Veda Mata, the guiding star of Rishis.
Goddess Saraswati has 108 names. She is known as Vagdevi, Sharada, Hamsavahini, Hamsa, Yazhini, Maha bhadra, Mahamaya, Varaprada , Sripradai, Padmanilay, Padmakshi, Padma vakthraga, Sivanuja, Jnanamudra, Rama, Para, Kamarupa, Mahavidyayi, Mahapataka nasihini, Mahaasraya, Maalini, Maha bhoga, Maha bhuja, Maha bhaga, Mahotsaha, Divyanga, Suravanditha, Mahakali, Mahapasa, Mahakara, Mahankusa, Peeta, Vimala, Viswa, and more.
For children, one of the most enchanting rituals is Hathe Khodi, — the "first writing ceremony of life". As this tradition marks a child's first step into the world of learning, it becomes special for the parents & the grandparents too. A divine blessing, paving the way for a lifelong love for education!
A cute and funny thing about this festival is — in Bengal and among Bengalis, the day of saraswati puja is also considered as a bengali valentine day.
However, the joy of this celebration amplifies with cultural events. Many communities organize sit-and-draw competitions, singing, dancing, and poetry recitations to make the day memorable for all.
These activities provide kids with a platform to showcase their talents while celebrating the goddess of creativity. The cheerful ambiance and the chance to bond with friends make this festival unforgettable. The feeling of divine connection adds to the experience.
Bangiya Parishad Toronto aims to keep the soulful celebration, cultural heritage lively in all hearts settled far away from homeland.
As the festive aura beautifully intertwines faith, learning, and joy, it reminds us of true wisdom. True wisdom lies in a harmonious blend of knowledge and creativity. For children, it’s a day to celebrate their love for learning and embrace their talents. They bask in the goddess’s divine blessings.
Join us in the celebration of Saraswati Puja this year, let the festivities inspire you and your little ones; captivating the cultural essence — the Bangaliana! After all, the blessings of Goddess Saraswati are the keys to unlocking a brighter, wiser future!