Dhaka, Jan 23 (V7N) — Saraswati Puja, one of the major religious festivals of followers of traditional religion, is being celebrated today, Friday (January 23), across the country with devotion and festivity.

The puja centers on the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, music and learning. On this auspicious day, devotees bow at the feet of the goddess, seeking enlightenment and the removal of ignorance.

According to religious beliefs, Goddess Saraswati symbolizes truth, justice and the light of knowledge. She is regarded as the patroness of education, speech and the arts. Tradition holds that she descends to earth riding a white swan on the fifth day of the bright lunar fortnight of the Bengali month of Magh.

This year, Saraswati Puja is being observed at educational institutions, temples and homes throughout the country. Following the rituals, devotees are offering anjali, and special handicrafts and learning-related activities have been arranged for children.

Basudeb Dhar, President of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, said that the puja at Dhakeshwari National Temple began at 10:00 am.

In Dhaka University, 76 puja mandaps have been set up, including the central puja organized by the Jagannath Hall administration. Puja rituals at the mandaps started at 8:00 am, followed by wreath offerings, distribution of prasad, and cultural programs in the evening.

To add to the festive atmosphere, various rides, toys and hygienic food stalls have been arranged for children and teenagers at the entrance of Jagannath Hall.

For security purposes, authorities have placed the entire Jagannath Hall area under CCTV surveillance. The use of firecrackers and fireworks has been strictly prohibited, according to relevant sources.

END/SMA/AJ