Goddess Saraswati is the fountain head of all learning and art forms. Students, professionals, artists, musicians and scholars worship Maa Saraswati seeking wisdom, artistic and technical skills, academic excellence and a good heart. Vasant Panchami and Navratri are some special occasions when Saraswati pooja is popularly performed. You can, however, perform Saraswati pooja in your home on any day you feel. Here is a simple Saraswati pooja procedure for households. It is highly auspicious to get the pooja done by school going children in the family.
An idol or picture of Maa Saraswati, a kalash set up (copper pot with pure water with fragrant materials and spices bunch of mango leaves inserted from top a coconut placed on the set up decorated with turmeric paste, chandan paste, kumkum and flowers) a white cloth, fragrant flowers, bel patra, Mango leaves, turmeric paste, chandan paste, kumkum, lamps, oil, wicks, camphor, incense sticks, betel leaves, durva grass, fruits, coconut, Holi colors, books and musical instruments. Prepare some nice dishes for offering at the end of the pooja.
On a raised platform place a wooden plank and spread a white cloth. Install the picture or idol of Maa Saraswati and also the Kalash set up in front of the idol. Use turmeric powder, sandal paste, kumkum and flowers to decorate the idol. Decorate the altar as you want. Take a picture or idol of Ganesh or make a cone shaped image in turmeric paste to invoke Lord Ganesh, decorate it and place it near the Kalash. Light the lamp with oil and burn the incense sticks. Keep the offerings, betel leaves and nuts, coconut, fruits and other offerings on a plate and place in front of the altar.
