Devi Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts, represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. Devi Saraswati is the mother of the Vedas, and chants to her, called the Saraswati Vandana, often begin and end Vedic lessons.

She is depicted as a goddess of knowledge and wisdom with four arms, wearing a spotless white saree and seated on a white lotus. Her four arms represent the four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness, and ego. Alternatively, these four arms also represent the 4 Vedas.

It's one of the major festivals observed by many households; most schools arrange Saraswati puja for their students on their premises.  Homas and  Yagnas are done in schools and colleges. Students celebrate Saraswati puja with great sincerity and fervor.

Usually, children four and five years old start learning on this day in a unique ceremony named 'Vidya-Arambha'.