Voice 9, Dhaka Bureau: Today, the festival is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country as Saraswati Puja, another religious festival of the Sanatan followers. Every year, this worship of Bagdevi is performed on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magh. Countless devotees will offer floral tributes at the feet of Devi Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
On the occasion of Saraswati Puja, President Mohammad Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have given separate messages. The President has conveyed heartfelt greetings to the Hindu community. In his message, he stated that devotees perform Saraswati Puja with the aim of attaining the grace of Devi Saraswati for the acquisition of knowledge. This festival reflects the non-discriminatory participation of all in the country's secular consciousness and tradition. Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. Since ancient times, the people of this land have been practicing their respective religious customs and traditions while coexisting in mutual respect and harmony. It is essential for everyone to contribute to maintaining this wonderful tradition of communal harmony.
On the occasion of Saraswati Puja, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the Hindu community. She emphasized that no one should be allowed to destroy communal harmony in Bangladesh. Emphasizing the slogan "Let everyone celebrate their own festivals," she urged everyone to celebrate the festivals of all religions together in a joyous atmosphere. Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. For thousands of years, people of all religions have been living together in this land without any discrimination based on caste, creed, or religion. Together, we fought and gained independence for Bangladesh. Therefore, this country belongs to all of us. I hope that in the coming days, mutual respect among all religions will be further strengthened.
Devi Saraswati is the symbol of truth, justice, and knowledge. She is the embodiment of knowledge, speech, and music. On the occasion of the worship of Devi Saraswati, I urge everyone in the Hindu community to engage in self-discipline for the country's progress through the acquisition of knowledge. In addition, the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, Puja Celebration Committee, and the Metropolitan Public Puja Committee have extended their greetings to the people on the occasion of Saraswati Puja.
On the occasion of Saraswati Puja, especially the students of the Hindu community, have organized various religious ceremonies, including worship and prayers, in educational institutions across the country. In addition to puja, other ceremonies such as the offering of flowers, the distribution of prasad, religious discussions, cultural events, evening prayers, and illumination are being held in temples and important educational institutions across the country.
Under the initiative of the Metropolitan Public Puja Committee, the central puja mandap of Dhakeshwari National Temple has been arranged for Saraswati Puja. Saraswati Puja is being organized in various halls, including Jagannath Hall, Begum Rokeya Hall, Shamsunnahar Hall, Kuwait Maitree Hall, and Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall of Dhaka University. This puja will be held in 36 mandaps at Jagannath University. Saraswati Puja has been organized at the National Press Club. In addition, Saraswati Puja and the offering of flowers, as well as the distribution of prasad, will be held at various temples and mandaps, including Ramna Kali Mandir, Ma Anandamayee Ashram, ISKCON Temple, Mirpur Central Temple, and Ram Sita Mandir.
