Utkal University wore a festive look on Friday with students decorating an idol of Goddess Saraswati at the varsity entrance with a white-and-red sari and garlands.

Educational institutions across the state observed Saraswati Puja on Friday. The puja, which marks the onset of spring, falls in the Odia month of Maagha. It is on this day that the king of Puri accords permission for wood collection for the purpose of chariot-making for rath yatra.

Students in new clothes went to their respective schools, colleges and coaching centres to start their day by worshipping the goddess of learning for academic success with examinations just around the corner.

Students skipped studies on the occasion, also known as Basant Panchami, with them placing their textbooks at the feet of the goddess for blessings.

Since the state government has instructed schools under it not to collect money from students for pujas in accordance with the Right to Education Act, the celebrations in such institutions were low-key.

“Our students formed a puja managing committee and took responsibility of buying the idol and puja paraphernalia. They also organised a small lunch on the campus,” said Bandana Mohapatra, principal of Capital High School in Bhubaneswar.

Many parents made their little ones scribble their first letters on this day.

“It is believed that children, who are initiated into the world of education on this auspicious occasion, become good in studies,” said Megha Mohanty, a homemaker.

Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee