NARAYANGANJ — Saraswati Puja, honoring the Hindu goddess of knowledge, was observed in Narayanganj’s Bandar on Friday with rituals at neighborhood pavilions, while one local organization distributed school supplies, women’s items and winter clothing alongside the religious ceremonies.
The puja began Friday morning, Jan. 23, at 35 S.S. Shah Road in Bandar with a priest’s recitation of mantras. The main rites concluded with prayers for the goddess’s blessings. After the puja, many pavilions held hatekhari ceremonies marking young children’s introduction to learning, and prasad was distributed.
The Ekota Sangha, formerly known as the Balok Samiti, has organized the puja in Bandar for about 45 years. This year, the group also distributed school supplies to young students, alta and sindoor to women, and winter shawls to those in need.
The distribution program was presided over by Sri Rishikesh Mondol Mithu, joint convener of the metropolitan fishermen’s wing and member secretary of the metropolitan Puja Front. The chief guest was Sidratul Muntaha Ihan Khan, the only daughter of former district Chhatra Dal president Jakir Khan.
“The goddess Saraswati is the symbol of knowledge and education,” Ihan Khan said in her remarks, calling for harmony. “In our lives we will follow three things: we will acquire knowledge for an enlightened future, take education for the progress of the nation, and shape ourselves into ideal human beings. I send good wishes to all the children and everyone present here. This event will truly be memorable in my life. We people of all religions live together peacefully and in harmony, and that is the most beautiful feature of Bangladesh. Many thanks to Rishikesh Mondol Mithu uncle for organizing this event so beautifully.”
In his remarks as chair, Mithu said: “Today my heart is overflowing with joy. Not just for the puja. My heart is especially joyful today because Ihan, the only daughter of my dear leader Jakir Khan, has come among us. This is Ihan’s first time attending an event, and I organized that event myself. I pray for Ihan Khan that her journey forward begins from here. Lastly, I ask everyone for blessings for the good health of my leader Jakir Khan and for our mother Ihan Khan to make her family even more rich in tradition.”
The program was conducted by Rakib Hasan Raj, a former joint secretary of the district Chhatra Dal. Others present included Sadar thana BNP organizing secretary Lincoln Khan, Sadar thana Jasas joint convener Sonet Ahmed, district Krishak Dal vice president Sheikh Saleh Ahmed (Roni), Juwel, and members of the Ekota Sangha puja committee including Sanjay Mondol, Hridoy Bonik, Pushanta Barman, Amit Modok, Joy Das, Likhon Sarkar, Simanta, Polok, Partha, Nirob, Niloy, Iyanta, Pronanta, Pritam, Ranbir and Pranoy.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report