Guwahati Educational Institutions Buzzed with Festive Spirit During Saraswati Puja
Educational institutions throughout Guwahati experienced a vibrant and festive atmosphere on Friday as Saraswati Puja was celebrated with traditional fervour and immense enthusiasm. Schools, colleges, and universities across the city came alive with students dressed in colourful ethnic attire, flocking to their campuses to seek blessings from Goddess Saraswati, who symbolises wisdom, knowledge, and learning.
Preparations and Rituals Marked the Auspicious Day
From the early hours of the morning, teachers and students involved in organising the celebrations at their respective institutions were actively engaged in preparations. Idols of the goddess were carefully placed in campus courtyards, adorned with offerings of fresh flowers, seasonal fruits, and books. The school premises were beautifully decorated with floral arrangements and intricate, colourful rangolis, creating a visually stunning environment.
The air was filled with the resonant sounds of devotional chants and the blowing of conch shells as priests conducted traditional rituals. This spiritual ambiance added a sacred dimension to the festive celebrations, making the day particularly memorable for all participants.
Students Reflect on the Significance of the Festival
Rituparna Deori, a college student, shared her thoughts on the importance of Saraswati Puja, stating, "Apart from being an occasion for celebrations, it is a good opportunity to seek the blessings of the goddess. The occasion is extra special for many of us as we often witnessed the festival being celebrated at our schools when we were younger and it feels good to participate in it now."
Riddhiman Mazumdar, a school student, highlighted another aspect of the day, saying, "Saraswati Puja is an auspicious occasion for us. And, this also gives us a momentary relief from our busy schedule, as after the ritual we often go somewhere where we can catch up with our friends and have a good time with them." Following the completion of the rituals, students gathered to partake in the sacred offering, where khichdi, mixed vegetables, and assorted sweets were distributed among students and staff members.
City-Wide Celebrations and Enhanced Security Measures
The entire city of Guwahati was lively and bustling, with citizens moving about in vibrant ethnic attire, contributing to the festive spirit. To manage the increased activity, the Guwahati traffic police stepped up security arrangements near crowded educational institutions. Traffic personnel were actively involved in regulating vehicle movement to ensure a smooth flow of traffic throughout the day, facilitating safe and orderly celebrations.
Floral Markets Experience Surge in Demand
In the days leading up to the occasion, flower markets in Guwahati reported heavy footfall, with devotees purchasing marigolds, jasmine, lilies, chrysanthemums, and other varieties. Monoj Malakar, a flower seller in Uzan Bazar, noted, "Demand has been continuously rising, and it remained high even on Friday. Many students have been buying bouquets as a special gesture for their partners, while devotees are also purchasing flowers in bulk for the occasion." This surge in floral purchases underscored the community's deep engagement with the traditional aspects of the festival.
