Hindus celebrate Saraswati Puja across India

Patna / Kolkata, Jan 20 (ANI): Hindus celebrated Saraswati Puja on the occasion of Basant Panchami across India on Wednesday.

Basant Panchami is considered as one of the most auspicious days in the year for initiation of children into learning.

Saraswati Puja is observed on the fifth day after the no moon night in the Hindu month of Magh.

It is believed that of Goddess Saraswati was born on this day. Saraswati has been identified with the Vedic Saraswati River.

In Patna, former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav celebrated the event with students of his alma mater.

"Mainly on this day, students offer prayers to the goddess of knowledge and education Saraswati in schools and the colleges. In the B. N. College in Patna University in Bihar from where I have passed out, I had come specially to be the part of the celebrations here," said Yadav.

In Kolkata, Monika, a local student, said she had come for the Saraswati Puja hoping for better results.

"We have come here for the Saraswati Pooja as Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge and education so that we get good results," said Monica.

Tradition has it that adults should not help children into learning, until the initiation ceremony is performed before Goddess Saraswati.

A large number of children are initiated into learning at temples or at home in front of the idol of Goddess Saraswati. (ANI)