The food offering (prasad, naivedya or bhog) made to Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of learning and knowledge in Hinduism, is very unique. This unique Prasad for Goddess Saraswati is made of five seeds which are believed to provide essential nutrients for the brain.
The offering is made during the worship of Saraswati in Magh month (Saraswati Jayanti - Basant Panchami) and also during Saraswati puja during Navratri.
The five items that are part of offering are:
- bamboo shoot (Banslochan),
- misri (sugar) coated nuts,
- cardamom,
- lotus stems and
- lotus seeds.
The offering can also be made when a student starts learning something new and even during aksharabhyasam or vidyarambham (initiation into the word of learning).