ZCZC
BSS-34
CELEBRATION-SARASWATI
Saraswati Puja celebrated
DHAKA, Feb 10, 2019 (BSS) – The Hindu community in the capital like elsewhere in the country today celebrated Saraswati Puja, worshiping the goddess of knowledge, wisdom and culture.
Puja mandaps, temples and a large number of educational institutions were colorfully decorated as thousands of devotees sought blessings since morning from the goddess with traditional gaiety.
The celebration also included offering of Devi Aradhona, puspoanjoli, archanas,anjolis, aratis, distribution of prashad, arati competitions, cultural functions and staging of dramas at temples, educational institutions and domestic residences in the country.
Traditionally children are introduced to education and learning on the day of Saraswati Puja and this ritual is called “Hatekhori”. Toddlers are usually given a slate and chalk to scribble with on the auspicious day.
People of the Hindu community of the country of all ages came to the Puja venues with their family in the early morning.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan visited Puja Mandaps at Krishibid Institute Bangladesh and Rajdhani High School in the capital this morning.
The most gorgeous Saraswati Puja had been arranged on the premises of Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University where a huge number of devotees performed the religious rituals and visited the pandals circled on the playground of the university’s largest dormitory.
Jagannth Hall administration organised the dormitory’s central puja at the dormitory’s Upashonaloy (place of prayers). Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman visited different puja mandaps to respect their religion.
Besides, Puja was arranged at Ram Krishna Mission, Jaganntah University, Siddheswari temple, Supreme Court premises, Farashganj, Shakhari Bazar, Tanti Bazar and different other places in old Dhaka, Banani, Dhaka College, Eden Girls’ College, BUET, Ramna Kali Mandir and Maa Anandamayi Ashram, Tejgaon College, Stamford University and different educational institutions in the city.
On Dhaka University campus, the Puja was held at all female dormitories -Rokeya Hall, Samsun Nahar Hall, Bangladesh Kuwait Moitri Hall, Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall and Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall.
Saraswati Puja was also celebrated at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and its adjoining Battala Chattar under Saraswati Puja Udjapan Parishad.
BSMMU Professor Dr Kanak Kanti Barua was present as the chief guest on the occasion.
Saraswati Puja or Basant Panchami falls on the fifth day of the Bengali month of Maagh each year when Hindus worship goddess Saraswati to mark the coming of spring.
BSS/KC/SRH/MMA/2020hrs