Saraswati Puja is a festival dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Saraswati, also known as the deity of knowledge, music, arts, and wisdom. The origins of the worship of Goddess Saraswati can be traced back to the Vedic era, around 1500 to 500 BCE. It is believed that in the Rigveda, Saraswati was depicted as just a goddess and over time, she evolved into the goddess of knowledge and learning. This reflects the importance of intellectual procedures and education in culture. In ancient educational institutions like ‘Nalanda’ and ‘Takshashila’, Goddess Saraswati was admired as the torch bearer of knowledge.

As per the legend of Hindu mythology, Goddess Saraswati is believed to have emerged from the mouth of Lord Brahma, also known as the creator of the universe. When he created the world, it was filled with chaos, and to bring order and beauty to his creation, he created Saraswati, who infused the world with wisdom, learning, and the arts. Another legend talks about a disagreement between Brahma and Saraswati. The story goes that Brahma, infatuated with his creation, once gazed at Saraswati and desired her. Angered by his inappropriate behaviour, Saraswati cursed him and diminished his role in Hindu worship compared to the other dietes like Vishnu and Shiva. In certain traditions, Goddess Saraswati is identified with the warrior Goddess Durga, who battled the Demons Sambha and Nibha to restore cosmic order in the universe. Another legend talks of King Kuru's reign in the Kurukshetra region. It was believed that at one time, the area was suffering from severe drought. To bring prosperity and growth, sages recommended that the king dedicately worship Goddess Saraswati on the fifth day of the bright night of the Hindu month of Magha, now celebrated as Vasant Panchami. 

The rituals and spiritual practises performed during Saraswati Puja reflect the festival's core themes of wisdom, knowledge and the pursuit of artistic intellect. The day begins with the installation or sthapna of the idol or image of Goddess Saraswati in homes, schools, and temples. It is usually placed on a decorated altar with yellow or white flowers. She is often depicted holding a Veena, a book, a rosary, and a pot of sacred water. This sthapna or installation symbolises the invocation of divine wisdom and marks the presence of Goddess Saraswati in the lives of her devotees. A puja is performed by chanting a specific mantra known as the Saraswati Vandana to invoke the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. It is followed by an Aarti, where everybody gets together to sing hymns and prayers of Goddess Saraswati. 

A significant ritual for Saraswati Puja, the Akshar Abhyasam, is performed for young children and involves the first formal introduction to letters and writing. They are often made to write their first letters or words before the idol of Goddess Saraswati, marking the onset of their educational journey and seeking blessings. It is done on a tray filled with rice where the child writes their first letters using their fingers. It signifies the strong belief among people that education is a divine gift that the goddess restores. Today, books, pens, musical instruments, and other educational tools are placed at the feet of the Goddess's ideal and only picked up after the puja is complete as a mark of respect. They offer these tools of wisdom and art to the Goddess, seeking her blessings for success in their studies and artistic endeavours. After the puja, the idol of Goddess Saraswati is ceremonially submerged in a river or water body, marking the conclusion of the festival and symbolising the cyclic nature of life through a ritual called visarjan. 

It is popularly seen as an occasion to celebrate regional languages, literature, and arts. It is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Bengal, particularly in educational institutions. It is the day when students pay their homage to Goddess Saraswati and seek her blessings for academic success. Young girls often dress in traditional yellow sarees and participate in cultural programs happening in schools and colleges. The festival honours Bengali literature, music, and art, honouring the state's linguistic and cultural identity.

In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as a part of the Navratri festival, where the last three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, focusing on worshipping books and educational tools. It is the period known as Ayudha Puja, when workers and artisans gather together to worship their tools and seek blessings of success and abundance. 

Assam sees the celebration of Saraswati Puja as a significant festival marked by the worship of Goddess Saraswati and cultural performances in educational institutions with a powerful emphasis on preserving Assam’s language and arts.

The traditional attire worn by men and women as they celebrate Saraswati Puja is not just for its aesthetic appeal but also carries deep cultural and symbolic meaning about the festival. 

Women are most commonly seen adorned in sarees, particularly in shades of white or yellow, during the celebration of Saraswati Puja. White symbolises purity and devotion, whereas yellow represents the vibrancy of spring and knowledge. The saree is a quintessential Indian garment of choice for women, which celebrates grace and legacy. The saree designs are typically simple, focusing on intellectual and spiritual refinement. Traditional embroidery styles like Chikankari, Kantha work and Zari are often seen as decorative elements to honour the artisanal traditions of the region. Native to West Bengal, the Tant saree is a popular choice for the festival. Tant weaving is an art that dates back centuries and finds its roots in the Mughal era. They are traditionally made in regions like Shantipur and Phulia. Wearing a Tant saree is a way of honouring the cultural heritage of Bengal. Women in Bengal are also seen wearing the Dhakai Jamdani saree. Jamdani weaving is an ancient art form known for its elaborate and intricate handover patterns. It symbolises luxury and is usually passed through generations as a heirloom. 

In the regions of South India women are usually seen draped in Kanjivaram or Kanchipuram silk sarees originating from the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. Made from mulberry silk, these sarees are a favoured choice for Saraswati Puja celebrations as they are known for their strength and durability. The opulence and luxury of the saree reflect the Goddess' association with wisdom and wealth.

The traditional attire for men is the typical Dhoti Kurta. Like women’s attire, the preferred colours for men are yellow or white; the Dhoti is usually plain white, while the kurta features subtle designs or embroidery in shades of yellow. The dhoti kurta is one of the oldest forms of traditional male attire, which is significant to India’s culture; it symbolises purity, simplicity, and appreciation of one’s cultural values. For a contemporary style, men also opt for the Nehru jacket over the kurta. Another rendition of the dhoti kurta is the pyjama kurta.  The kurta is usually designed with traditional embroidery styles like Chikankari or Kantha work. 

Even through generations, while the attire has evolved to incorporate modern elements, it still retains the use of white and yellow, which emphasises on the cultural identity of festivals to remain unchanged.