Nagpur's Bengali Community Celebrates Saraswati Puja with Fervor on Basant Panchami
The city of Nagpur witnessed a vibrant and spiritually charged atmosphere on Friday as numerous Bengali associations came together to celebrate Saraswati Puja, marking the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami. This festival, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and arts, was observed with traditional rituals, devotional music, and community gatherings across various venues in the city.
Traditional Rituals and Devotional Gatherings
From the early hours of the morning, community halls, housing societies, and association premises echoed with prayers, hymns, and the resonant chants of 'Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah'. Members of the Bengali community, adorned in traditional attire, participated enthusiastically in the celebrations. Women wore yellow sarees, symbolizing the arrival of spring, while men dressed in dhotis and kurtas, adding to the festive spirit.
At the puja venues, devotees placed books, musical instruments, and pens before the idol of Goddess Saraswati, seeking her blessings for wisdom, learning, and artistic pursuits. One notable venue was the Community Hall in Seminary Hills, which was beautifully decorated with elegant floral arrangements and traditional motifs. This puja was organized by the Maa Kali Foundation, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural ethos associated with the festival.
Key Celebrations and Cultural Programs
The rituals commenced with the main puja in the morning, performed by priests amidst devotional music. This was followed by Pushpanjali, where devotees offered flowers to the goddess. A significant highlight was the participation of children and students, underscoring the festival's special importance for learners and those pursuing education.
In another celebration, the Paschim Nagpur Bangiya Samiti marked the 10th year of Saraswati Puja at the Institute of Engineers. The event included morning puja, arti, and traditional Bengali customs such as Hatekhori and Anjali. Approximately 200 devotees took part in these rituals, receiving blessings and Mahaprasad.
Adding vibrancy to the festivities, an evening cultural program featured performances by artists including Pronoy Thakur, Amika Thakur, Sujata Ghosh, Arpita Bag, Sukanto Nandi, and Vinay Thakur. These performances showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Bengali community, making the event even more memorable.
Community Bonding and Organizational Efforts
Post-rituals, devotees across all venues were served Bhog Prasad, fostering a sense of community bonding and shared joy. Several other associations, such as the Sarbojonin Durga Utsav Committee in Dixit Nagar, also organized Saraswati Puja, highlighting the widespread participation and enthusiasm.
Organizers Bowmkesh Biswas, Pradeep Mukherjee, and Dr. Sanjeeb Ukil emphasized that the festival serves as a vital cultural anchor for Bengalis living away from their native state. They noted that such celebrations help preserve traditions and strengthen community ties, making Nagpur a home away from home for many.
Overall, the Saraswati Puja celebrations in Nagpur not only honored the goddess of knowledge but also reinforced the cultural identity and unity of the Bengali community in the city.
