Saraswati Puja, also known as Shree Panchami or Basanta Panchami, was observed nationwide on Monday, February 3.
The festival honors Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom, learning, and the arts. Educational institutions are cleaned and decorated in preparation for the occasion, with students, teachers, and parents gathering to worship the goddess.
The day is also considered auspicious for initiating children into formal education, as they are taught to write their first alphabets.
Saraswati Puja also marks the arrival of spring.
These photos by New Business Age photojournalist Sunil Sharma capture devotees at the Saraswati Temple in Makhan, Kathmandu, and children worshipping the goddess at Kanya Mandir School in Chhetrapati.
