On the eighth day of the Navarathiri festival, Hindus offer prayers to Saraswathi – the goddess of learning and seeking knowledge. This goddess resides in books, reading materials of all types, and musical instruments. To celebrate this puja (ceremonial worship), children place their books and musical instruments before a figure of the goddess. This shows respect for such items that impart knowledge.
The 10th day of Navarathiri is seen as a day of victory for Hindus, commemorating the day the goddess Sakthi slayed the demon – a victory of good over evil. On the day of Vijayadasami , if one begins new ventures (i.e. business or education) he/she is assured of success. Young children are taught their first alphabet on this day, with parents helping them form the letters in rice flour. For some, this day marks the beginning of their formal education or training in various arts forms. Vijayadasami is also a day to honor one’s teacher.
So happy Vijayadasami all you teachers!
Above: Images of Saraswathi
Internet Sources: http://archives.chennaionline.com/festivalsnreligion/Festivals/dasara.asp, http://www.durga-puja.org/saraswati-puja.html
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