The last three days of the nine-day Navratri festival is observed as Saraswati Puja by many Hindu communities especially in western and southern parts of India . Goddess Saraswathi, the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge and Learning, is worshipped during the period. Saraswati Puja 2024 during Navratri begins on October 9 and ends on October 12 in most places especially in South India.
Different Hindu communities have different method of propitiating and worshipping Goddess Saraswati during Navratri.
In North India, Saraswati Avahan is marked on October 9, 2024 and Saraswati Puja on October 11, 2024.
In western parts of India especially in Maharashtra the rituals begin with Saraswati Avahan (October 9, 2024), Saraswati Pradhan Puja (October 10, 2024) and Saraswati Balidan Puja (October 11, 2024) and Saraswati Visarjan (October 11, 2024).
In Kerala, the important Saraswati Puja is held on the last day of Navratri and on the Vijayadasami day. On the last day of Navratri all books are kept for Puja and is taken after proper rituals and worship on the next day which is observed as Vidyarambham day (October 12, 2024). Small children are initiated into the world of letters and knowledge on the day.
In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the last three days of Navratri is dedicated to Saraswati Puja and also involves the Ayudha Puja.