As India celebrated Vasant Panchami on January 23, Guwahati’s educational institutions turned into hubs of spiritual energy. Pandals overflowed with students and faculty invoking Maa Saraswati, the deity embodying wisdom, arts, and learning. Yellow flowers blanketed altars, symbolizing prosperity and the onset of spring.
Classrooms stood empty as eager learners rushed to perform aarti and join havans. A group of 10th graders confided, ‘With boards just two months away, Maa’s blessings are our best preparation.’ Their determination was palpable amid the smoke of sacred fires and rhythmic bell tolls.
Educators echoed the sentiment, viewing the puja as a cornerstone of their vocation. ‘Everything we teach stems from her grace. This ritual refreshes our minds and fuels our students’ ambitions,’ remarked a school principal. Priests elaborated on rituals: yellow blooms and prasad offerings invite Saraswati’s favor for intellectual growth and worldly success.
The festivities rippled across the nation, from Himalayan foothills to coastal temples. Devotees thronged shrines early morning, presenting yellow sweets and flowers. In Guwahati, the day reinforced education’s sacred bond, inspiring a generation to chase dreams with divine support.