Akshararambha ritual during Saraswati Puja (Photo Feature)

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Jan 23: Shree Panchami, celebrated every year on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magh, is being observed across the country on Friday by performing ritual worship and devotion to Goddess Saraswati, the presiding deity of knowledge.

It is believed that worshipping Goddess Saraswati on Basanta Panchami enhances wisdom and intellect. On this day, devotees gather in large numbers at Saraswati temples throughout the country to offer prayers.

There is a tradition of initiating young children who have not yet been sent to school into learning by beginning their first letters (Akshararamva) on this auspicious day. Religious belief holds that learning to read and write on this day brings good knowledge.

As the goddess of knowledge and creativity, Saraswati is especially worshipped by writers, artists, journalists, teachers, and students, who venerate their tools of learning and practice such as pens, notebooks, brushes, and musical instruments as forms of the goddess. Photos: Keshav Gurung/TRN