Ranchi witnessed vibrant celebrations of Saraswati Puja on Friday, which coincided with the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami. The city was immersed in traditional fervour as educational institutions, housing societies, and local committees organised elaborate prayers and cultural programmes to honour Goddess Saraswati, the revered deity of knowledge, wisdom, and learning.
Educational Institutions Lead the Celebrations
Across Ranchi's educational landscape, Saraswati Puja was marked with enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and staff members. The celebrations highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of this important festival in the academic calendar.
Vikas Vidyalaya's Enthusiastic Participation
At Vikas Vidyalaya, the celebration unfolded on the school campus with remarkable energy. Students actively participated in decorating the idol of Maa Saraswati, while the school priest conducted the sacred hawan and puja ceremonies. These rituals were performed to invoke divine blessings for enhanced wisdom, learning capabilities, and academic excellence among the students.
Special prayers were offered for the holistic development and well-being of all students, followed by the traditional distribution of prasad to participants, creating an atmosphere of spiritual unity and educational aspiration.
Delhi Public School's Spiritual Observance
Delhi Public School Ranchi observed Saraswati Puja with deep spiritual fervour. The ceremony was led by principal Jaya Chauhan, who was joined by headmasters, teachers, staff members, and students in paying homage to the goddess of knowledge.
Principal Chauhan emphasised the broader purpose of education during the celebrations, stating, "True education nurtures not only intellect but also essential values, discipline, and humility." Her words reflected the festival's significance in promoting comprehensive educational development beyond mere academic achievement.
Sarala Birla University's Traditional Elegance
Sarala Birla University celebrated Saraswati Puja with traditional elegance on its amphitheatre campus. University officials, faculty members, staff, and students collectively participated in the sacred rituals, demonstrating institutional commitment to cultural traditions.
Following the religious ceremonies, prasad was distributed among all participants. Director general Gopal Pathak shared his perspective on education during the event, noting that "education must be guided by strong moral values alongside the pursuit of knowledge." This statement reinforced the festival's role in connecting spiritual values with educational philosophy.
Remarkable Celebrations at Medical Institute
RIMS' Grand Installation and Pandal
The Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) hosted particularly noteworthy celebrations featuring a magnificent 16-foot-tall idol of Maa Saraswati. This impressive installation was created at an estimated cost of Rs 1.10 lakh and incorporated unique thematic elements.
The idol design creatively blended themes from 'Dwapar Yug' and 'Kali Yug', featuring Lord Krishna on one side and Lord Jagannath along with Balabhadra and Subhadra on the other. This artistic representation symbolised the harmonious integration of knowledge, devotion, and cultural diversity.
Adding to the grandeur, a spectacular pandal inspired by the architectural marvel of the Konark Sun Temple was constructed. Measuring approximately 45 feet in height and 35 feet in width, this temporary structure was built at a cost of around Rs 5 lakh, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and dedication.
The Saraswati Puja at RIMS was organised by students from the 2022 batch, demonstrating student initiative and leadership in preserving cultural traditions within an academic environment dedicated to medical education.
Across Ranchi, the celebrations of Saraswati Puja on Basant Panchami successfully blended religious devotion with educational aspirations, creating a meaningful connection between spiritual traditions and academic pursuits. The widespread participation from various educational institutions highlighted the festival's enduring relevance in contemporary educational contexts while preserving rich cultural heritage.
