Revered in Hinduism as the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning, Devi Saraswati holds a significant place in the pantheon of Hindu deities. Adorned in white, she is often seated on a lotus with a veena (a musical instrument) in her hands.

A few say that her name, Saraswati, is derived from the Sanskrit words "saras," meaning flow, and "wati," meaning she who has flow. This name aptly characterizes her association with the flow of knowledge and creativity. Saraswati emerged from Brahma's mouth as he meditated to create the cosmos, while in the East Indian states of Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa Saraswati is considered to be a daughter of Durga, visiting us along with her sister Lakshmi and her brothers Ganesha and Karthikeya during the festive occasion of Durga Puja.

The association between Saraswati and education is further elucidated in the story of her role in spreading knowledge to humanity. Legend has it that when the gods and demons churned the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) to obtain the elixir of immortality (Amrita), Saraswati emerged from the churning waters holding a book, a rosary, and a musical instrument. She bestowed these divine gifts upon humanity, symbolizing the importance of knowledge, spirituality, and the arts in attaining enlightenment.

In Zoroastrianism, Saraswati is said to be known as Sraosha, the guardian of earth. Sraosha (“obedience”) is also the wife and messenger of Ahura Mazda, and her role as the "Teacher of Daena", Daena being the hypostasis of both "Conscience" and "Religion". She also guides the souls of the deceased to find their way to the afterlife. She is also known as a guardian deity in Buddhism who upholds the teachings of Gautama Buddha by offering protection and assistance to practitioners. Similarly, Saraswati finds mention in Burmese, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and other cultures.

The worship of Devi Saraswati is deeply rooted in the Hindu tradition and is celebrated with fervor during the festival of Vasant Panchami. Devotees offer prayers, seek her blessings, and engage in activities that promote learning and creativity. Saraswati Puja, a ritualistic worship dedicated to the goddess, is conducted in educational institutions, homes, and temples, underscoring her significance as the patroness of education. Through her worship, devotees express their reverence for knowledge, seek guidance in their academic pursuits, and invoke Saraswati's blessings for intellectual growth and enlightenment.

Apart from all the above, I have always looked forward to this auspicious day since childhood. This was the day, when we did not have to study and only after the Saraswati Puja were we allowed to have the delicious jujube berries!