Saraswati Puja and Haate Khori!
Saraswati Puja is one of the most significant Hindu festivals held in the Hindu month of Magh (January-February) all over India. It is believed that Maa Saraswati was born on Basant Panchami day and since then Saraswati Puja is celebrated on this day. Basant Panchami occurs on the panchami tithi of magh shukla paksha, a very auspicious astrological placement according to Hindu dharma. Basant Panchami is also a celebration of new beginnings for Hindus as nature is at its best during this time of the year.
Though Saraswati Puja is performed in many parts of India on this day, it is widely celebrated in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and other eastern states. And on this day, the ceremony of Haate Khori also takes place in many Hindu households, especially in Bengali Hindu families.
Let’s know more about the significance of the two.
Saraswati Puja
Saraswati Puja is dedicated to worshipping the Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, music, art, and brilliance. It is said that performing Saraswati Puja can help to enhance one’s intellectual abilities, boost concentration and memory power, and also acquire victory in academic and creative hobbies.
According to an astrological perspective, the position of the planet Mercury, which is related to intelligence and communication, plays a very powerful role in the success of an individual’s academic pursuits. However, on the day of Saraswati Puja, idolising and offering puja to Maa Saraswati can help you eliminate the negative effects of Mercury and bring positive effects into your life. It is believed that performing this puja along with the remedy can help students, artists, and individuals overcome obstacles and be successful in their respective fields.
Haate Khori
Haate Khori is a ceremony that is usually performed on the day of Saraswati Puja. It is one of the many Sanatan Hindu samskaras in which children are introduced to the world of education, learning and enlightenment. In this ceremony, small kids who attain the age of learning/education (2 to 5 years) are made to write or inscribe the first letter or word by invoking Maa Saraswati under the guidance of a priest or a guru. It is a symbolic depiction of Maa Saraswati and is labelled as the beginning of the educational journey of a child. In many parts of India, mostly in Southern states, this ceremony is called the Vidya Arambh or Akshara Arambh samskara (commencement of studies ceremony) and is usually performed on auspicious days like Saraswati puja, Vijaya Dashami, Guru Purnima, etc.
As per the study of astrology, the position of the planet Jupiter, which is connected with knowledge and brilliance, plays a meaningful role in an individual’s education and learning. By performing the Haate Khori ritual, it is said that the negative effects of Jupiter get moderated, and further enhances the positive effects, leading to better academic performance and victory in life.
In conclusion, Saraswati Puja is believed to be the most auspicious time for Haate Khori or Vidya Arambh, as Maa Saraswati is the Goddess of Education, Learning, Enlightenment and Wisdom. The placement of the planets at the time of the ceremony can have a complex effect on its outcome, and it is anyways required to consult an astrologer to understand the best time to perform this ritual. By performing Saraswati Puja and Haate Khori, an individual can take the blessings of the Goddess and lower the negative effects of the planets, helping to enhance academic growth, creativity, and success in life.
If you are planning Haate Khori for your child on the coming Saraswati Puja, talk to our professional astrologers and pandits for the most ideal tithi for Haate Khori.
