Mother Saraswati, the embodiment of Knowledge, Art, and Culture, is revered during the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, a festival that heralds the arrival of the Spring Season. Celebrated on the fifth day of the Hindu Lunar month of Magha, Saraswati Puja holds immense significance for students, scholars, artists, and writers. They seek the blessings of the divine Goddess to guide them on their journey of learning and creativity.
This year, Basant Panchami coincides with February 14th, a day also celebrated as Valentine’s Day. The story of Valentine’s Day traces back to ancient Rome, where Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. Despite the decree, a Christian priest named Valentine defied the order and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. His act of defiance ultimately led to his arrest and execution. Legend has it that while imprisoned, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and sent her a heartfelt love letter signed “From your Valentine” before his death around 270 AD.
Valentine’s Day, therefore, commemorates the sacrifice of a saint who bravely opposed an unjust order by a ruler. However, over time, the true essence of this day seems to have faded amidst the commercialization of fancy cards, expensive gifts, and extravagant celebrations. Newspapers are filled with advertisements and articles about Valentine’s Day, overshadowing the centuries-old Indian tradition of worshipping the goddess of knowledge, culture, and the spring season.
As an old-timer, I feel compelled to remind youngsters of the importance of traditional knowledge and culture. Let us not forget the significance of Saraswati Puja amidst the allure of Valentine’s Day. Through this blog, I aim to contribute to the preservation of our rich heritage and values.
Reflecting on my own spiritual journey, I find myself navigating through the diverse beliefs and practices that surrounded me during my upbringing. Raised in an environment influenced by Arya Samaj, I was exposed to its teachings and rituals, which shunned idol worship. Yet, my maternal grandmother, steeped in traditional customs, would worship idols, and share stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Meanwhile, my paternal grandmother found solace in visiting gurudwaras, emphasizing a different path of worship.
Amidst this tapestry of beliefs, I sought clarity on the right path to follow. In response, my maternal grandmother wisely advised me to embrace knowledge from all sources and forge my own path in due time. This counsel resonated with me, and over the years, I delved into various scriptures and spiritual texts, finding wisdom and solace in each.
Despite not having the opportunity to partake in Saraswati Puja during my childhood in Delhi, my exposure to the vibrant celebrations at Regional Engineering College in Kurukshetra, where students from Bihar and Bengal fervently observed the festival, left a profound impact on me. During my student life, I participated in Saraswati Puja rituals, feeling blessed by her divine presence. A picture or idol of the goddess Saraswati has been a permanent part of my Pooja mandir at home.
Even during my postgraduate studies in Roorkee, I maintained an idol of Goddess Saraswati on my desk to inspire me, despite facing scrutiny from some friends of different faiths. Nevertheless, the chanting of Saraswati Vandana every day continues to bring me solace and strength, reminding me of the divine grace that guides my path and I pray:
“या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना । या ब्रह्माच्युतशंकरप्रभृतिभिर्देवः सदा पूजिता सा मां पातु सरस्वति भगवती निःशेषजाड्यापहा ॥”
O Goddess Saraswati, adorned with the brilliance of moonlight and snow, clad in pure white garments, with veena in hand and seated on the lotus, Adored by Brahma, Vishnu, Shankara, and other deities, protect me, O Divine Saraswati, and dispel my ignorance.
In honouring Mother Saraswati, we seek her guidance and blessings to illuminate our path of knowledge and creativity, transcending barriers of belief and embracing the divine essence within us all.
Inspire Positivity 