Saraswati Puja: A Day of Devotion, Culture, and Togetherness

— By your familiar Bengali columnist

The gentle breeze of Basant Panchami carries with it the fragrance of devotion, wisdom, and art.

For Bengalis, Saraswati Puja is not just a religious ritual—it is an emotion deeply rooted in our cultural heritage. We bow before Goddess Saraswati, the divine symbol of knowledge, learning, and aesthetic beauty. For many of us, memories of yellow sarees, crisp khadi notebooks, and the sweet chants of “Ya Kundendu Tushar Haar Dhavala” instantly transport us back to our childhood.

This year’s celebrations were filled with joy and enthusiasm. The day began with a serene and traditional puja at a designated venue. Following the rituals, we organized an art and drawing confluence where children, youth, and even adults participated with equal zeal. The Bengali lunch was a true delight — with around 135 people attending, we served a sumptuous meal of basonti pulao, aloo-kopi tarkari, bhaja, payesh, and mishti.

As dusk settled, our cultural evening unfolded with soulful singing performances, an engaging drama, and graceful dance presentations. The entire evening was vibrant, joyous, and rich in Bengali cultural spirit. The snacks and dinner featured ghugni, chop, singara, luchi, and aloor dom — adding the perfect touch of nostalgia and flavor.

We warmly invite members of the Bengali community living in and around Sinhagad Road, Warje, Kothrud, and Karve Nagar to join our association — and be part of this journey filled with culture, laughter, and shared belonging.