Bhubaneswar, Feb. 2 -- People across Odisha are celebrating Saraswati Puja with traditional pomp and gaiety today, worshipping Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, music, and learning.

Dressed in bright-yellow sarees symbolizing Basant Panchami-the festival marking the arrival of spring-women and girls, along with men and boys in kurtas, offered prayers and flowers to the goddess. Families gathered in cities, towns, and villages to share prasad as part of the celebrations.

For children, Saraswati Puja is a day of joy, as it is considered a no-study day. Excited to set aside their textbooks, students participated in rituals at educational institutions, community clubs, and households. The puja ceremonies began early in the morning wit...