Shukla Paksha* lands with waxing moon
Hearts of teen-agers begin to croon.
For goddess of knowledge is soon to arrive
To be worshipped in schools making learning thrive.
Saraswati** on swan on Shri Panchami*** day
As an idol on school stage, a seat she takes.
She is all white from temple to toes
Except long, black curls where a crown glows.
Teachers and pupils mingle and blend
As devotees they work hard, precious time spend.
Offerings ready and decorations done
Priest chants mantras, unhappy none.
Worship being over, a sumptuous meal
The teachers serve the girls, no big deal.
The bud of a girl now begins to bloom
Petals opened, scent fills the rooms.
Teachers eye each other, sense something weird
Do they portend evil, some imperial beard?
For only for this day the school is open to all
No use now turning their big eye-balls.
Like swarms of bees aiming the blooms
They land in the premises to dispel gloom.
Armed with honeyed word in heart-bow intact,
That’s kept with much care as Cupid’s dart.
Pushing back the cold day the bees invoke Spring,
Flowers flaunt their petals; hues, scents sing.
Blooms and bees can’t speak but Stare
In spite of the Big eye-ball’s Full Glare.
Not each bee for a bloom for some blooms are wise
They know of the hidden stings that might rise.
Better to worship the knowledge-goddess above
Than to fall at this age for the Saint of Love.
The school stays open till dark night
When goddess, girls and teachers enjoy light.
Recitation, exhibition, songs and plays
Fill hearts with joy that sing and sway.
But the whole town is in the grip of love
The saint and goddess stare from above.
Conquering a heart isn’t all that bad,
Let us all be merry and not be sad.
*The first fortnight between New Moon Day and Full Moon Day is called Shukla Paksha.
**Saraswati (Sanskrit: सरस्वती, Sarasvatī) is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom and learning.
***the fifth day in the period of waxing moon when People worship Goddess Saraswati to attain enlightenment through knowledge and to rid themselves of lethargy, sluggishness and ignorance.
Source:Wikipedia
Posted for Susan’s Midweek Motif ~ Conquest @ Poets United
sumanar/lekha 
Getting into the Navratri mood Sumana…much fun.
Narrated as a true teacher! That one day, that one “bud of a girl” and Saraswati make a beautiful music together. Bravo! I am glad to know of this Goddess where intellect and love combine.
Love is the recent addition, an impact of globalization, I guess 🙂
I love the flow from temples to toes..and the way you have completely transported us to the scene.. hearts can be conquered..all in good time
But the whole town is in the grip of love
The saint and goddess stare from above.
Conquering a heart isn’t all that bad,
When the whole townspeople are involved and with nodded approvals from above, mingling and overcoming love is all that matters. Very much so Sumana!
Hank
It sounds like a wonderful celebration. Wise girls to worship the goddess and let love wait some more years……..
Thanks for this poetic glimpse into a world quite unlike my own.
Oh Sumana, I love the idea of conquering hearts! Sigh.. the power of faith… no one can escape ❤
Beautiful lines, Sumana…. It is September and the wait for Durga Puja is in its last leg.The time is special for every Bengali as it heralds the good times and festivities mostly …
How beautifully you captured the feeling of the whole school on this festival. What a delightful poem this is Sumana.
The 5th day of the waxing moon I like. Ridding oneself of sluggishness and lethargy…!
A lovely piece to honor the Goddesses! Yeah! We all need the blessings of the Goddesses!
Knowledge and education are the path to wisdom and if following Saraswati’s tutelage helps the young attain that all important goal, then this is a powerful deity indeed!