Anika's Haathey Khodi

I had a keen wish to celebrate Anika’s Haathe khodi with great pomp and show. Haathe khodi means ‘chalk in hand’ which is a Bengali tradition in which children write their first letter which is supposed to be the beginning of their literal journey. It is also known as Akshar abhyasam and Vidya arambham. Luckily, we were in India during this auspicious month of February 2021 and my joy knew no bound knowing Anika will get the opportunity to start her preschool learning infront of goddess Saraswati.

THE HISTORY

Vasant Panchami or Saraswati puja is a festival that is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu god of knowledge, art, music and learning. She is the daughter of Durga and is considered as a partner to Brahma. This is the most popular festival in the eastern region and is celebrated in the month of Magh (January-February) where young children and students invoke the blessings of the Goddess. The Goddess is presented as a graceful woman in white, wearing a white silk sari, seated on a white lotus and representing purity and peace. The lotus and the moon associated with her are both symbols of eternal womanhood. As per Hindu mythology, it is on this day that Goddess Saraswati was born and every Bengali household performs the puja.

There are various mythological stories associated with Goddess Saraswati. Both the gods and demons decided to churn the ocean and drink the Amrit or the elixir of life. Saraswati with her beauty decided to lure the asuras, but Rahu and ketu slipped in with the Gods. Vishnu detected them and cut off their heads. Saraswati helped the Gods to be immortal and was established in the heaven.

THE DAY OF CELEBRATION

‘Haathe Khodi’ is done on the day of Saraswati Puja or Vasant Panchami( fifth day of Spring). According to Hindu mythology, Saraswati is the goddess of learning, knowledge, art and music. So, children start writing from this day with blessings of goddess Saraswati.

Saraswati Puja is conducted on Vasant Panchami in many parts in India . In West Bengal, it is one of the more important festivals. Most schools have special celebrations on this day and children are forbidden to read anything on this day. Most significant aspect of Basant Panchami is that young girls and boys, musicians, artists celebrate this festival with great fervor. Parents prefer to choose baby girl names inspired by Goddess Saraswati.

THE RITUAL

Vasanti or yellow is the color of this day with people wearing clothes of this color and eating sweets and food which are yellow.

Young kids are given early bath in the morning and turmeric is applied on their forehead. They are traditionally dressed with dhoti and kurta and girls are made to wear yellow saree. Anika wore the kanjeevaram lehenga and blouse which was a gift from her loving massi and mesho. They brought it from their honeymoon trip in Kerela, India and I had made sure I will make the best use of this silk.

The ceremony is either performed at house before goddess Saraswati or they are taken to a nearby temple where the puja is performed. A new slate and chalk is given to the child; taking help of the purohit they write the spiritual word “OM” and seek blessings from Goddess Saraswati.

Earlier children were given special sticks made of bamboo to write, but now they use chalk and the purohit introduces the child to alphabets through the ritual. During the puja, yellow flower is used and special dishes that are of yellow color are offered to the goddess. Books, ink pots, musical instruments are placed near the goddess and after the ritual is completed, they are used again.

FOOD aND PRASAD

Since, Goddess Saraswati is considered to be pious and represents serenity, strictly vegetarian diet is served and no animal sacrifice is made. The worship is incomplete without palash flowers, marigold, plums, abhro, sandalwood paste, bel leaves and phaag. A special dish kooler chutni or plum jam is prepared and served with khichadi. The sweets used in prasad are also made of milk and white sesame seeds or til laddos are offered.

Saraswati puja hold a special significance in the Bengali culture and reflects their respect towards art, crafts and wisdom.

While Anika got too spiritual during the occasion we are more than thankful to her Maasha and Bulbul Maashi fo making the moment worth remembering and accompanying them to the puja pandal. Thank you Bulbul maashi for the slate and chalks and Maasha for taking countless pics.