Dhaka: Saraswati Puja, one of the main religious festivals of the Hindu community, will be celebrated in the country on Friday. As Saraswati is considered the Goddess of wisdom and knowledge, Hindu devotees, especially students, celebrate the Puja in different educational institutions and temples.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the festival is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magh, marking the birth of Goddess Saraswati. This day is also known as ‘Vasant Panchami’. Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University has completed all preparations for the event, setting up 76 puja mandaps under the supervision of the hall administration, as stated in a press release on Thursday.

The annual festival will take place on the historic Jagannath Hall campus, with participation from students of different departments and institutes of the university. The program will include traditional religious rituals, cultural events, devotional music, and offerings, reflecting the long-standing heritage of Saraswati Puja at the hall.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus extended his heartfelt greetings and congratulations to members of the Hindu community on this occasion. In his message, he stated that Bangladesh is a shining example of communal harmony, where people of all religions and ethnicities have lived together in mutual respect and amity for thousands of years.

He emphasized that Bangladesh is a safe and peaceful homeland for everyone, irrespective of religion or caste, and expressed hope that education would contribute to the progress of society beyond personal advancement. Prof Yunus wished peace, welfare, and prosperity to all citizens of Bangladesh, including followers of the Hindu faith.