The Hindu community is celebrating Saraswati Puja, the festival dedicated to the goddess of learning, on Friday with due solemnity and religious tradition.
Devotees are offering floral tributes at the feet of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom and knowledge, seeking enlightenment. According to belief, the goddess symbolises truth, justice and knowledge, and presides over learning, speech and music.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus issued a message on the occasion, extending greetings to the Hindu community. He said Bangladesh is a “bright example of communal harmony”.
He noted that for thousands of years, people of all races, religions and castes have lived in the country with mutual respect and harmony. “Bangladesh is a safe and peaceful home for all people, regardless of religion or caste,” he said.
Educational institutions and temples across the country have organised various religious programmes. These include Pushpanjali, prasad distribution, religious discussions, cultural programmes, evening aarti and illuminations.
Dhaka University has taken up a special programme, with the main festivities centred at Jagannath Hall. This year, a total of 76 pandals have been set up at the hall, including the central puja. Students from 74 departments and institutes of the university are taking part.
The two-day event also features blood donation programmes and entertainment rides for children, alongside traditional rituals.
Jagannath Hall Provost Debashis Pal said the hall administration is ensuring security under the constant supervision of the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors (Administration and Education), the Treasurer and the Proctor.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police, National Security Intelligence, Shahbagh Police Station and the Fire Service are providing support.
Outside the university, major celebrations are taking place at Dhaka Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Siddheswari Temple, Shankharibazar, Tatibazar, Banani and Ramna Kali Mandir.
The atmosphere at these venues is vibrant, filled with the traditional sounds of drums, gongs, conch shells and ululation.
