There are two popular occasions when Saraswati Puja is performed in Hindu calendar. Hence, the significant days to perform Saraswati Puja come two times in the year. However, both occasions are known as Saraswati Puja when students worship Goddess Saraswati and young children are taught to write the first alphabet. It should be noted that Goddess Saraswati is also worshipped during Diwali Puja in Gujarat but it is known as Sharda Puja.
Maa Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom and knowledge, is worshipped on following two occasions in the year and both are known as Saraswati Puja.
Saraswati Puja on Vasant Panchami is more popular in West Bengal, Orissa and North Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh. Saraswati Puja on Vasant Panchami is performed for a single day only and is observed based on prevailing Tithi in Panchang. However few people in West Bengal immerse the idol on the third day of Saraswati Puja.
Saraswati Puja during Sharad Navratri is more popular in South Indian states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Saraswati Puja during Navratri is performed for four days, three days and for a single day. The four days Saraswati Puja is observed based on prevailing Nakshatra in Panchang. Saraswati Avahan, Saraswati Puja, Saraswati Balidan and Saraswati Immersion during four days Puja are performed in Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha and Sharvana Nakshatra respectively.