Festival of Sarasvati (India)
Sarasvati
Themes: Learning, Wisdom, Communication
Symbols: White Flowers (Especially Lotus), Marigolds, Swans
A Hindu Goddess of eloquence and intelligence, Sarasvati extends a refreshing drink from her well of knowledge to complete the month with aptitude. In Hindu tradition, Sarasvati invented all arts, sciences and writing. In works of art she is depicted as white-skinned and graceful, ridiing on a swan or sitting on an open lotus blossom.
My Note: The band Desert Wind, who can be found here on MySpace, has a beautiful song about this Goddess on their 2-CD set, World Dance. I highly recommend it - and there's also some great bellydance music on it, too.
From: 365 Goddess by Patricia Telesco. The author provides rituals for each goddess for each day of the year in her book.
----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Karyn
Date: Jan 31, 2007 6:25 AM
Each year on or around this date, a sacred festival is held in the Katmandu Valley of Nepal in honor of the goddess Sarasvati, an ancient Indian deity who presides over all forms of education. As temples dedicated to her, offerings of food, flowers, and incense are made by faithful Hindus and students who seek her help on their school exams. In the courtyard of the Hanuman Dhoka, an ancient palace where the king is accompanied on this day by Nepalese officials, the annual rites of Spring begin with a traditional gun salute, followed by veneration ceremonies which are performed by the royal priest.
In the Hawaiian Islands, a joyous flower-filled festival in honor of an ancient goddess associated with the narcissus flower is celebrated each year on this day; while in China, an annual festival honoring Kuan Yin takes place.
