Saraswati Puja – the worshipping of the goddess of knowledge, wisdom and culture and one of the main religious festivals of the Hindu community – celebrated across the country on Thursday (Jan 30) amid much enthusiasm and festivity.
The puja is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the “bright fortnight” in the month of Magh, as Goddess Saraswati was born on this day, which is called the "Vasant Panchami."
As Saraswati is considered the goddess of wisdom and knowledge, Hindu devotees, especially students, celebrate the Puja at different educational institutions and temples.
Major Hindu temples, schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions stage the festival with traditional gaiety and religious fervour.
In Dhaka, Saraswati puja was arranged at different places including Jagannath Hall in the Dhaka University campus, Ramakrishna Mission, Siddheswari temple, Shakhari Bazar, Tanti Bazar, Banani, Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, BUET Ramna Kali Mandir and others.
The students in particular seek blessings of Goddess Saraswati in their pursuit of knowledge, art, music and culture.
President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in separate messages, on Wednesday greeted members of the Hindu community on the occasion of the Saraswati Puja.
Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee also issued a press release greeting all members of the Hindu community on the eve of Saraswati Puja.
In most temples, houses and educational institutions, the Puja began in the morning followed by offering of “Anjali”. Then the children imparted “Hateykhori” (introduction to learning) and later Proshad (foodstuff devoted to the Goddess) distributed among the devotees.
