Citizens celebrate Basant Panchami, Saraswati Puja

LUCKNOW: The city celebrated Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja with traditional fervour on Saturday. Devotees thronged temples and puja pandals to offer prayers to the deity and seek her blessings. Members of Bengali and Oriya communities organised Saraswati pujas at different places in the city.
The day marks the advent of spring season. It is believed that goddess Saraswati showers her blessings on people especially those who wear yellow on this day.Hence, many people offer yellow flowers to the goddess and even eat food items that are yellow in colour.
Arun Banerjee, an officer bearer of the Bengali Club said, "The festival is associated with knowledge of arts, science, crafts because Saraswati is the consort of Lord Brahma and is the goddess of wisdom. She also represents shakti, creativity. Her birthday symbolises nature in its full grandeur which inspires many minds."
On the auspicious day, students place their books, articles, instruments of music and art before the goddess and seek her blessings. In all the education institutions in the city, Saraswati Puja was observed with great reverence. On Saturday, a grand puja took place at Chattrapati Sahuji Maharaj Medical University. Students were dressed in yellow dresses and offered prayer to the goddess. At SRS International School, the kids held books and stationery in their hands. Filled with excitement, the children asked for strength and well being in whatever they do.