Pujas

Saraswati Puja Date for 2020 in India – Wednesday, January 29, 2020.

Saraswati Puja is considered to be the most auspicious puja in Indian culture. Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge and the sign of purity and peace. This puja plays a very important role in India’s culture of respect for learning. Saraswati puja is also popular as Vasant Panchami. Moreover, a typical image of Goddess Saraswati shows her sitting on a lotus flower or riding a swan. She is a tribute to power, confidence, and knowledge.

Saraswati Puja Overview

Dates	Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Deity	Goddess Saraswati
Related Festival	Vasant Panchami, Diwali, Navratri
Relevant Season	Spring
Significance	Goddess of Skills and Knowledge
Dress	Traditional

Significance Of Saraswati Puja in a Child’s Life

Children are encouraged to worship Maa Saraswati because of the educational value she holds. Here is why we should educate about the significance of Saraswati Puja in a child’s life –

1. Knowledge is Wealth: It is only through knowledge that an individual can conquer the world, which is why much emphasize has been given to knowledge and wisdom in the life of a student.
2. Art and Music: The Goddess encourages all sorts of arts and music apart from educational knowledge. A child should seek the blessings of this goddess in order to excel in all spheres of life.
3. Peace: Goddess Saraswati is seen on the peaceful lake of the mind, offering the peace of silent meditation, which is necessary for today’s fast-paced life. 
4. Following Traditions: Doing Saraswati Puja helps a child to stay in touch with the customs and traditions despite gaining knowledge of the world. 
5. Being Spiritual: Apart from engaging in all sorts of arts and music, students learn to become spiritual and respectful. They learn qualities like team-building, leadership, and corporation.

Why do we celebrate Saraswati Puja?

• Saraswati puja is celebrated for knowledge and is auspicious for students.
• Vasant Panchami is also an auspicious day to begin new work, to marry or to shift to a new home. The yellow colour is significant on this day.
• Devotees also worship Saraswati as the water deity who has purifying powers.
• The festival of Saraswati pooja is also an occasion of social celebrations. This puja is very common in eastern India.
• Further, on this day all the educational institutes worship the Goddess with lots of happiness.

What Goddess Saraswati Symbolizes?

The scripture she holds are the Vedas and represent knowledge, while the japa mala, or beads, represents discipline and concentration.

Goddess Saraswati	Symbolism
Her Four Arms	Her front arms depict the Goddess’ activity in the material realm while the back arms depict the activity in the spiritual realm.
Stringed Instrument, or Veena	The veena represents the arts and serves as a reminder to live in harmony with others and the world.
Book or Vedas	Represents the Truth or pure knowledge
Stringed Beads, or Japa Mala	Represents discipline, concentration, and meditation
White Clothing or Sari	Symbolic of purity
Lotus	A white lotus represents purity and knowledge.
Peacock	The peacock represents beauty and dance. Peacocks can also represent vanity and indecision.
Swan	The beautiful swan that is seen with the Goddess represents beauty. The swan is believed to have the ability to separate water from milk with its beak. This symbolizes how we should chose between right and wrong.

Who should perform Saraswati Puja?

• People who want to develop creativity, confidence and improve their skills should perform Saraswati pooja.
• Professionals can also perform this puja to gain success.
• Students perform this puja to increase their skills and talents in various fields.
• Performing Saraswati pooja also improves memory power and communication skills.

What are the benefits of performing Saraswati Puja?

Here is a list of benefits of performing Saraswati Puja:

• One gets the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. This helps in gaining knowledge and wisdom in one’s life.
• This puja also fills one’s life with lots of positivity and removes negativity.
• It also provides strength and empowerment in an individual’s life.
• After performing this puja, a person becomes more talented and skilled.

When should I perform Saraswati Puja?

• The 10th day of ‘Dussehra‘ or ‘Navratri‘ is included in the celebrations of Saraswati Puja.
• Devotees also also perform Saraswati Puja on Vasant Panchami. Vasant Panchmi also has other names like Saraswati Panchami and Shri Panchami.
• Also, many astrologists consider it an Abujha day. 
• Purvahna Kala decides the day on which Vasant Panchami falls. It is the time between the sunrise and midday.

How to do Saraswati Puja at home?

What are the Saraswati Puja Mantras?

Here are the mantras that one should utter while performing Saraswati Pooja:

What are the materials required for Saraswati Puja?

The materials required in Saraswati Pooja are:

Samagri/ Things required	Quantity
Mango Leaves	5
Ghee	1 Kg
Dhoop	100 Grams
Agarbatti	2 Packets
Saffron	as per requirement
Kumkum	100 Grams
Coconut	1
Rosewater	1 Bottle
Betel Leaf	5
Kapur	1 Packet
Gulal – Holi Colours	100 grams of each color
Turmeric powder	100 grams
Idol of Saraswati	1
Sandal	1 Pair
Coins	as per your requirement and facility.
Rice	100 grams
Fruits	Mixed Fruits as per your requirement
Diyas	5 minimum

Other requirements are:

1. Plate
2. Match Box
3. Ganga Jal
4. Lotus and Yellow flowers like Marigold
5. Kamal Gatte
6. Clean red cloth
7. Piper Beetle
8. Cotton Wicks
9. Marigold Flowers Garland
10. Kalash
11. Panchamrit

What to wear on Saraswati Puja?

• It is very important to wear only Yellow clothes on Saraswati Puja because this colour holds great significance for this Puja.
• Women can wear traditional dresses like Saree or Salwar.
• Men can wear traditional dresses like Dhoti.

What is the cost of performing Saraswati Puja?

Saraswati Puja with the prescribed materials ranges from Rs. 2000 to Rs.4000.

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Navratri Puja Dates: 29 Sep 2019 to 7 Oct 2019 (9 Days)

Navratri Puja is performed to worship the nine different forms of Goddess Durga for nine continuous days. This year in 2019, Navratri is beginning from Sunday, September 29 and ending on Monday, October 7. Navratri means 9 sacred days. A distinct avatar of Goddess Durga is worshipped on each of the nine days. Read how to do the Navratri Puja, Step by Step Procedure, Significance and Benefits.

Navratri Puja 2019 – Everything You Need To Know

Navratri Dates 2019	29 September 2019 – 7 October 2019
Type of Navratri	Sharadiya Navratri or Maha Navratri (Celebrated in Sep-Oct)
No. of Days Celebrated	9
Goddess Worshipped	Nine Forms of Goddess Durga
Important Day	Maha Navami (9th Day)
Pooja	Kanya Laangura Bhoj
Fasting Days (Vrat)	1st, 8th and 9th Day of Navratri
Related Festivals	Dussehra and Diwali
Celebration in India	Garba Dance in Gujarat & Mumbai

Who should perform Navratri Puja?

• People who want to get success in life with the blessings of Goddess Durga can perform this puja.
• If someone is facing any financial issues or any family problems, then performing this puja will help them to get rid of this issue. 
• This puja is also very beneficial for getting the peace of mind.

Why is Navratri celebrated?

Navratri or Durga Puja is celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and restore Dharma. In South India, Navratri is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. In North India, it is celebrated on the day of Dussehra, commonly known as Vijaya Dashami.

What are the benefits of doing Navratri Puja?

• Worshipping the Goddess during the auspicious time period can bring a lot of benefits. One can receive wealth, prosperity in business and success in life after doing the puja.
• One receives the divine blessings of Maa Durga after performing the Navratri puja.
• People can also get rid of the sins performed during the previous births or the present life after performing this pooja.
• Navratri pooja also helps to protect ourselves from bad spirits and to remove obstacles in life.
• This pooja fulfils the wishes and desires of devotees performing it and relieved them from any diseases.

When should I perform Navratri Puja?

The date and time for performing the Navratri Puja are based on the Hindu Calendar. The dates are determined on the basis of Tithi and Nakshatras. Navratri Puja begins on the sixth day of Devi Paksha which is the beginning of the autumn season. This puja falls in the lunar month of Ashwin.

According to Hindu tithis, Navratri begins with Pratipada and ends with Navami. It is considered as the longest Hindu festival which is celebrated for nine days. Devotees worship Goddess Siddhidatri on the ninth day of Navratri which is the last and the most important day of Navratri. People celebrate the tenth day of Navratri as Vijayadashami to mark the victory of Lord Rama over demon Ravana.

Which Goddesses are Worshipped during Navratri? (Navratri 9 Devi Names)

Navratri Day	Tithi	Goddess Worshipped	Poojas	Offerings	Colors of Navratri
29 September	Day 1 Pratipada	Shailaputri	Ghatsthapana, Chandra Darshan, Shailaputri Puja	Ghee	Orange
30 September	Day 2 Dwitiya	Brahmacharini	Brahmacharini Puja	Sugar	White
1 October	Day 3 Tritiya	Chandraghanta	Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja, Varad Vinayak Chauth	Ghee	Red
2 October	Day 4 Chaturthi	Kushmanda	Kushmanda Puja, Upang Lalita Vrat	Malupa	Royal Blue
3 October	Day 5 Panchami	Skandamata	Skandamata Puja	Bananas	Yellow
4 October	Day 6 Shashthi	Katyayini	Katyayini Puja	Honey	Green
5 October	Day 7 Saptami	Kaalratri	Kaalratri Puja, Saraswati Awahan	Jaggery	Grey
6 October	Day 8 Ashtami	Mahagauri	Mahagauri Puja, Saraswati Puja, Durga Ashtami, Sandhi Puja	Coconut	Purple
7 October	Day 9 Navami	Siddhidatri	Siddhidatri Puja, Maha Navami, Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa	Grains	Peacock Green
8 October	Day 10 Dashami	—	Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan, Vijaya Dashami	—

What are the Navratri Colors?

On Navratri, there is a tradition to wear dresses that represent the colours of Navratri on each of the 9 days. There are 9 different Navratri colours in 2019. Use these colours given below as a guide and make this Navratri more colourful. Navratri Color Sequence for 2019 below:

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How to perform Navratri Puja in 2019?

Step by step guide and procedure to perform Navratri Pooja is:

What are the requirements for Navratri Puja?

The materials required for the Navratri pooja are: idol of goddess, deepak, agarbatti, kapoor, sari for offering to the goddess, pooja book containing all the aartis, Ganga water, flowers, sandalwood, kumkum, rice, banana, coconut, cloves, cardamom,supari, gulal, decorated kalash.

What is the cost of performing Navratri Puja?

The cost of the puja varies depending upon the samagri. The cost of this puja ranges from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 depending upon the materials and consultation from the expert.

Garba Dance on Navratri

Garba dance is the most famous activity during Navratri and especially popular in Gujarat and Mumbai. Singing and dancing during Navratri is a part of festivity and fun and also a reason to dress up and catch up with your friends. It is also believed that singing and dancing in front of the Goddess is auspicious and brings good luck.

What are the other types of Navratri in a year?

Navratri Puja is also popularly known as ‘Durga Pooja.’ Very few people know that it is celebrated four times throughout the year. The name of four Navratri in a year are:

• Paush/Magh Navratri (Jan-Feb)
• Chaitra/Basanti Navratri (Mar-Apr)
• Ashadh Navratri (Jun-Jul)
• Shardiya Navratri (Sep-Oct) **Maha Navratri – Most Popular**

Only Shardiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri are celebrated all over India. While the Paush and Ashad Navratri are not celebrated by common people.

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Laxmi Puja Date for 2019 in India – Sunday, November 27, 2019

Laxmi Puja is totally dedicated to Diwali on which, Goddess Laxmi visits one’s home. There is a total of 16 rituals for the proper completion of this pooja. This pooja falls on the day of Amavasya which is generally inauspicious, but for this day it is very auspicious. People light lamps in the evening to welcome the Goddess Laxmi.

Laxmi Puja Muhurat 2019

Muhurat	Day Parts	Timings
Dur Muhurat	Evening	04:18 PM to 05:03 PM Duration – 45 minutes
Amrit Kaal Muhurat	Night	09:33 PM to 10:59 PM Duration –  1 Hour 26 Mins
Varjyam Kaal Muhurat	Midnight	12:58 PM to 02:24 PM Duration –  1 Hour 26 Mins
Abhijit Muhurat	Noon	11:48 AM – 12:33 PM Duration –  45 minutes

Laxmi Puja Facts-

Dates	November 27, 2019
Deity	Goddess Laxmi
Related Festival	Diwali and Dhanteras
Number of Rituals Performed	Sixteen (16)
Day	Amavasya
Significance	Wealth and Prosperity

What is the significance of Laxmi Puja?

Many of you must have seen and observed Laxmi Puja during Diwali but very few might be aware of the significance of worshipping Goddess Laxmi on Diwali.

• The festival of Diwali starts from Dhanteras and the main festival of lights, Diwali falls on the third day.
• Laxmi Puja has great religious or mythological significance behind them. It is the festival of worshipping the goddess of wealth. 
• According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Laxmi likes cleanliness, and she visits the cleanest house first.
• This is also the reason why the broom is worshipped on this day with offerings of Haldi and Kumkum.

What is the importance of Laxmi Puja?

• Laxmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity and she is worshipped for promotion, success and personal virtues.
• People worship her for spiritual prosperity and material abundance.
• It is believed that she helps remove the troubles that prevent people from moving on a spiritual path or carry on their businesses.

What Goddess Laxmi Symbolizes?

As per Hindu Puranas and Rituals, Goddess symbolizes much more than wealth. According to it-

1. Goddess Laxmi emerged from the water along with the nectar during the churning of the ocean done by the Gods and Demons.
2. Water is a symbol of love and Laxmi is depicted as sitting on a lotus which is floating in the water.
3. Lotus is the symbol of dispassion.
4. A droplet of water moves freely on the lotus petals, which indicates that when we are not attached to wealth, life is light like a flower.
5. Also, it is believed that this type of wealth is life-supporting and brings prosperity and abundance.
6. The usefulness and value of wealth are highest when it is shared and is moving.
7. Diwali is the festival of lights and it is essential you honor all aspects of wealth in life that day.

What happens in Laxmi Puja?

Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome the goddess. They are believed to light up her path. Laxmi Puja consists of a combined puja of five deities:

1. Ganesha is worshipped at the beginning of every auspicious act as Vighnaharta.
2. Goddess Laxmi is worshipped in her three forms – Mahalaxmi (the goddess of wealth and money), Mahasaraswati (the goddess of books and learning), and Mahakali
3. Kuber (the treasurer of the gods) is also worshiped.

The activities of devotees during Laxmi Puja is-

1. Purvang Karma – Ganesh Pujan, MatraPujan, Abhyudaya, Punyawachan, KalashSthapana, Rakshavidhan, Navgrah Puja.
2. Puja of Mata Lakshmi – as per auspicious Muhurta.
3. Ashtottara Namavali Path, Lakshmi stotra path.
4. Homa or Havan.
5. Goddess Laxmi Prayer.

Who should perform Laxmi Puja?

• This pooja should be done by the head of the family alongside his wife.
• Devotees who want to seek the blessings with the grace of Goddess Lakshmi should perform this puja. 
• People also perform this puja for the success of their new-age businesses and startups.
• Different people from different regions perform Laxmi Puja around different times in the year.

What are the benefits of doing Laxmi Puja?

• Laxmi Puja removes all the problems or issues from a professional and personal life. It makes one financially stable and wealthy.
• The individual will never face any financial problems in his life. This puja will also remove the ill effects of the Grah Dosh.
• One will surely get a huge benefit if the individual has invested somewhere.
• The devotee will also lead a smooth and harmonious family life without facing any issues.
• It will also improve the communication skill of the individual and gives a good outcome for the business.

Why should I perform Laxmi Puja?

Since wealth is the most important component for maintenance and progress in our lives, people do Laxmi Pujan to please Goddess Laxmi who is considered as the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

But here, wealth does not only signify more money. It means seeking abundance in

• Knowledge
• Skills
• Talents

When should I perform Laxmi Puja?

• Laxmi Puja should take place during Pradosh Kaal. This period starts after sunset and lasts for approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes.
• Many people also believe that Laxmi Puja should take place during Mahanishita Kaal. 
• The Muhurat that is not advisable for the Laxmi Puja is the Choghadiya Muhurat.
• One should perform the Laxmi Puja when Sthir Lagna prevails during the Pradosh Kaal.

How to perform Laxmi Puja?

Here’s how to perform Laxmi Puja:

1. Place a red cloth without any black mark on the floor.
2. Prepare a bed of rice and place the Kalash in it. Fill 75% of the pot with water from the Ganges. Place some grains, flower, a betel nut, harvested rice and a clean coil inside the Kalash. Arrange the bunch of mango leaves on the top of the Kalash.
3. Then, place a small plate or a thali on the top of the Kalash. Draw the design of lotus with turmeric powder. Place a picture or an idol of Goddess Laxmi on it along with some coins.
4. Also, place the idol of the Ganesha towards the right side of the Kalash and sprinkle the holy water on the puja items in order to purify them.
5. The rituals take place with the help of Kumkum, Haldi (turmeric powder) and flowers. There are many lamps and incense sticks and one chant the mantras to seek the blessings of the God and Goddess.
6. Recite the mantras by holding some flowers and rice on the palms and sprinkle them on the idol of the Goddess. The cleaning ritual is taking place by placing the idol of Laxmi on a thali pouring water, milk, ghee, curd, and honey.
7. After this wipe the idol with a clean cloth and placed back on the Kalash. The offerings to the deity include coconut, fruits, betel leaves, betel nuts, and sweets. Then, perform a silent aarti in the end.

What are the materials required for Laxmi Puja?

Materials required for Laxmi Puja on Diwali are:

Samagri/ Things required	Quantity
Icons of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi and Narayan	1 each
Silver and Gold coins	as per your requirement and facility.
Paan or Mango leaves	5
Uncooked Rice	100 grams
A coconut	1
Supari’s	10
Kumkum for applying tilak	100 grams
Mithai (Indian sweets)	as per your requirement
Dry fruits (almonds, cashews)	100 grams each
Gulaal (Holi color)	100 grams of each color
Diyas	5 minimum
Agarbattis (incense sticks)	2 Packets
Camphor	1 Packet
Red string	1 Roll

Other requirements are:

1. Rose or other flower petals.
2. Panchamrita.
3. New note-book.
4. A piece of red cloth for putting the pooja items
5. Thaali for Puja
6. Rosewater for Puja
7. A packet of Cottonseeds
8. Lotus Flower Seeds
9. Dry whole Turmeric
10. Coriander seeds
11. A Chawki for the deities.
12. Some currency notes
13. Ghee for the Diyas
14. Water, etc.

What is the cost of performing Laxmi Puja?

The cost of Laxmi Puja ranges from Rs. 3500 to Rs. 6000 that includes all the materials for the puja.

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