Embrace the Vibrancy of Saraswati Puja Across Bangladesh.
As Saraswati Puja, also known as Basant Panchami, approaches on Tuesday, the Hindu community in Bangladesh is gearing up for a joyous celebration dedicated to the Goddess of knowledge, music, art, and culture. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extend heartfelt greetings to the Hindu community members on this auspicious occasion.
Saraswati Puja is observed on the fifth Tithi of the Bengali month of Maagh annually, marking the arrival of spring. The day holds special significance as children are traditionally introduced to education through the ritual of “Hatekhori,” where toddlers are given slates and chalk to scribble on this propitious day.
Major Hindu temples, schools, colleges, universities, and educational institutions come alive with traditional gaiety and religious fervor during Saraswati Puja. Seeking the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, students passionately engage in the pursuit of knowledge, art, music, and culture.
Commencing in the morning with the Puja and “anjali” offerings, the day progresses with the symbolic “hatekhori” for children, followed by the distribution of prashad (foodstuff devoted to the goddess) among devotees.
According to Hindu faith, Saraswati symbolizes power, creativity, and inspiration, revealing herself during pleasant weather and the grandeur of nature. Portrayed as a graceful woman with a crescent moon adorning her brow, she is often depicted riding a swan, a peacock, or seated on a lotus flower.
The grand Saraswati Puja celebration will take place at the Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University, drawing a vast number of devotees to participate in religious rituals and visit the pandals set up on the university’s largest dormitory playground.
Additionally, Saraswati Puja will be conducted at prominent locations in Dhaka, including Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ram Krishna Mission, Jagannath University, Siddheswari Temple, Supreme Court premises, Farashganj, Shakhari Bazar, Tanti Bazar, and other areas in old Dhaka. The festivities will extend to Banani, Dhaka College, Eden Girls’ College, BUET, Ramna Kali Mandir, Maa Anandamayi Ashram, Tejgaon College, Stamford University, and various educational institutions in the city.
On the Dhaka University campus, Saraswati Puja will be organized at all-female dormitories such as Rokeya Hall, Samsun Nahar Hall, Bangladesh Kuwait Moitri Hall, Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, and Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall. The Jagannath Hall administration will centrally organize the dormitory’s puja at the Upashanalay (place of prayers), with hall employees setting up multiple pandals to worship Saraswati.
