Saraswati

An especially sweet part of Navaratri is the Saraswati puja. The goddess of learning is worshiped on the ninth day. Books and musical instruments are placed on a wooden plank covered in red silk—-perhaps the family ledger, one of the children's math books, copies of the Ramayana or Bhagavad Gita. Sometimes a tool or small machine is added. Sanskrit slokas like this one are recited.
"Shrii Saraswatii Namahstubhyam Varade Kaama Ruupini/Twaam Aham Praarthane Devii Vidyaadaanam Cha Dehi Me" (I bow to Goddess Saraswati, who fulfills the wishes of the devotees. I pray her to enlighten me with knowledge.) It is believed that the Goddess herself is blessing the books and the instruments.

On this day, Vidyarambham, Hindu children are taught to write their first word. It's an auspicious day to begin a child's education.Initiation into the world of alphabets usually begins with the writing of the mantra Om hari sri ganapataye namah" Hari refers to the Lord, sri to prosperity.

"When you were five, I remember your father helping you to form the sacred letter Shri on your first Saraswati puja. We had chosen the books for the altar and I added a harmonium. The Goddess of Learning loves music! Your aunties and I wore yellow saris and made coconut koyakattai. I was so proud when you were old enough to read at the altar beside your father. But very soon, you would whisper to him, as if the Goddess might overhear, "Is that enough, Appa?" It was the same way Ram always asked Samba." (from Shiva's Arms)

The mantra is written first on sand, denoting practice; then in a tray of rice grains, representing the acquisition of knowledge, which leads to prosperity. Finally, the priest writes the mantra on the child's tongue with gold, symbolic of the wealth of true knowledge. The women in the family wear yellow saris, decorate with palash flowers or marigolds, and distribute coconut koyakkatai as prasad for the worshipers.