Tradition and modernity mark Saraswati Puja

From Our Correspondent

Silchar, Feb 1: In the age of jeans and top, the popularity of saris continues ubated during Saraswati Puja in this part of the country. The country on the whole is aping western culture and tradition. Yet, saris dictate terms when it comes down to worship of Saraswati Puja. From the early morning, when the Sun is yet to blaze through the valley, girls draped in beautiful saris were seen flocking to various educatiol institutions in order to offer prayers to Goddess Saraswati, Goddess of Knowledge. Teege girls eagerly wait for this day to wear saris and go to the puja pandals with friends and relatives.

It will not be an exaggeration if one says that Saraswati Puja has become Bengali Valentine’s Day over the years. Innumerable pairs are seen roaming on the streets and making a beeline for the various educatiol institutions. Barak Valley in general and Silchar town in particular, is no exception to it. Colleges are a paradise of some sorts as they are home to many pairs who come to spend quality time with each other. Gone are the days when Saraswati Puja meant all solemnity and serenity with religious bent of mind of the students in particular and visitors in general.

Almost all the educatiol institutions in the valley celebrated Saraswati Puja. Students offered their best of prayers to appease the Goddess of Knowledge. The ambience of the day was filled with religious chanting of the hymns, mantras, of course interspersed with the cacophony of Bollywood numbers. Boys and girls were seen posing for selfies and photographs in their best possible attire. Children, especially students, eagerly await the arrival of Sarawasti Puja as it is a ‘no study’ day. Students become happy as they do not have to study. Cultural functions are also a part of the celebration in educatiol institutions. It is significant that Saraswati Puja at individual homes retains the verve and aura of the religiosity.