Saraswati

An especially sweet part of Navaratri is the Saraswati puja. The goddess of learning is worshipped 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 considered 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. The women in the family wear yellow saris, decorate with palash flowers or marigolds, and distribute coconut koyakkatai as prasad for the worshippers.