Saraswati Puja is an important festival, especially in South India It falls on Oct 18th. And also  here it is observed on the last day of Navratri celebrations and is celebrated on the same day as ‘Ayudh Puja’ also.. In the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Saraswati Puja is celebrated on the 9th day (last day of Navratri) but in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh it is observed on the 10th day (Dussera). But in the western and northern parts of India, Goddess Saraswati is worshipped for 4 days during the auspicious Navratri period. The puja begins with ‘Saraswati Avahan’, followed by ‘Saraswati Puja’, on 3rd day ‘Saraswati Balidan’ is done and the ceremonies end with ‘Saraswati Visarjan’..

On the occasion of South Saraswati Puja, devotees worship Maa Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom. In Southern India, on the following day of Saraswati Puja, children aged between 4-5 years, begin their ‘Vidyarambham’ ceremony. South Saraswati Puja is among the most grandly celebrated and revered festivals. The festivities can be witnessed in all parts of the southern end of India.

Rituals done during Saraswati Puja in South

On the  day of  Saraswati Puja, as a part of the Navratri celebrations there is a tradition of displaying ‘Kolu’ in households. Kolu refers to  displaying miniature forms of Gods, Goddesses, animals, birds, spiritual personalities and art work to name a few. People, who do not display a Kolu, use an idol or picture of Goddess Saraswati to perform the puja. White colour is known to be the preferred colour of Goddess Saraswati, most of the offerings and garlands are made in this colour. On the day of South Saraswati Puja, children also  keep  note books and stationery items to the Goddess.

The festival of South Saraswati Puja is dedicated to Devi Saraswati, the Goddess who gives the knowledge, wisdom, arts and education. According to the Hindu legends, Goddess Saraswati is a part of the trinity Goddess.