Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 13:

Shripanchami or the birthday of Saraswoti was celebrated today on Basanta Panchami.

Saraswoti is the Hindu Goddess of Learning.

Devotees thronged the Saraswoti Nani in Patan to pay homage to her. Many students and children visited the temple with flowers and fruits.

Among them was three-year-old Shreya Shrestha, who was brought there by her father to teach her the first alpabhet. With her father’s help, she etched the alphabet on the temple wall.

Devotees clamoured for the rice grains offered to Saraswoti’s idol and ate seven grains as popular belief has it that if one eats the grains offered, it will make one wise and knowledgeable.

A student of management Ashish Bajracharya said he has been observing this day since a child. “We have been taught the goddess rules over the realm of speech, letters and arts. So we worship her tools like pens, books, ink, among other things.”

The day is also regarded as an auspicious day for weddings and other religious activities.