Saraswati Puja being celebrated today (photos) - english.makalukhabar.com

KATHMANDU: Nepal is celebrating Shree Panchami (Basanta Panchami) today with great enthusiasm, marking the special worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, art, and music. The day also heralds the arrival of spring (Basanta Ritu), regarded as the king of seasons, and is widely observed as a celebration of learning and creativity. From early morning, Saraswati temples across the country have seen a large turnout of students, teachers, scholars, writers, and artists. In the Kathmandu Valley, devotees queued at major religious and historical sites, reflecting the spiritual significance of the occasion. Prominent Saraswati shrines witnessing heavy crowds include Saraswati Kund in Lele (Lalitpur), Saraswatikhel in Thimi (Bhaktapur), Neel Saraswati in Bishalnagar, Saraswati Temple at Aryaghat, Pashupati, as well as Maitidevi and Swayambhu. The tradition of worshipping Goddess Saraswati dates back to the Vedic era. Shree Panchami, also known as Saraswati Jayanti, is considered especially auspicious for Aksharambha—the ritual initiation of children into learning by teaching them to write their first letters. Parents were seen taking their young children to temples and schools for this ritual, believing that education or artistic practice begun on this day leads to success and fulfillment. The day is also regarded as favorable for ear and nose piercing ceremonies for children. Schools organized special prayer programs, while music and art institutions worshipped books, musical instruments, colors, and tools, symbolizing Saraswati’s blessings. On the occasion, the state is observing the traditional ceremony of ‘Basanta Shrawan’ at Hanumandhoka Durbar. The special event at Nasal Chowk will be attended by the Chair, with the participation of the Vice Chair, Prime Minister, and other distinguished dignitaries, in keeping with long-standing royal tradition.