The Grace of the Goddess of Knowledge

Photo: Prabir Das

“Saraswati mohabhage bidya komololou-chone biswo rupe bishallokkhi biddyan dehi nomostute" (O glorified Goddess of knowledge Saraswati with eyes like the lotus; you are the reflection of the world, with vast eyesight, you provide us with knowledge, we salute you) the hymn of praise echoed in the air, as devotees sought blessings of Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, music, art and nature.  
Standing on a white lotus, with a veena in one hand and a white swan accompanying her, Saraswati is revered by seekers of knowledge and her puja is held in almost all public educational institutions in the country. However, the Saraswati Puja at Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University is special. Most of the departments of the University of Dhaka build their own puja pavilion, pouring out their imagination and thus putting up a spectacular show of creativity.
In Bangladesh, the appeal of Saraswati Puja transcends religious boundaries, as students of all communities participate in the festival. The puja held this year in February specially reminded people of the importance of a diverse and harmonious society. Many of the pavilions depicted the pre and post election violence on the Hindu community and many schools, used as polling centres.
'May Saraswati's grace fall upon everyone so that they find true knowledge,' was the theme of this year's festivity.