Last Update: January 27, 2023, 11:02 AM IST
Students dressed in colorful attire worshiped the goddess in schools, colleges, universities and at homes and community pujas (Representational image)
Since Saraswati is the goddess of learning, some organizations have put the issue of alleged corruption in the education sector as the theme of their worship.
Saraswati Puja was celebrated at various homes, educational institutions and clubs in West Bengal, as some theme-based community pujas highlighted issues such as school job scams and the teachers’ aspirational movement in the state.
In schools, colleges, universities and homes and community worship students dressed in colorful clothes worshiped the goddess.
After worshiping, a large number of young men and women toured the city and nearby tourist places in groups.
As Saraswati is the goddess of learning, some organizations have put the issue of alleged corruption in the education sector as the theme of their worship.
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One such puja was organized by Sri Sri Saraswati and Kalimata Parishad near Kankurgachi in North Kolkata. Its theme is ‘Bangae Bikiri Bidya’ (Education sold in West Bengal).
Biswajit Sarkar, the organizer of the puja, said, “Teachers’ jobs were sold and the former education minister was arrested in this connection.” Crores of rupees were recovered from his associate’s flat. In that puja pandal, an idol of Goddess Saraswati was found in a cage, where images resembling some of the persons accused of the scam were also seen holding wads of currency notes. There was also a movement of aspiring teachers.
He said that the organization has been organizing Saraswati Puja for 17 years.
However, near College Street, Bhiyana Sporting Club and Thanthania Swami Vivekananda Sporting Club had different themes.
Anand Shaw, a member of Bhaiana Sporting Club, said that this year their theme is Rajasthani Dancing Dolls.
His puja pandal is decorated with dolls that dance at the slightest breeze.
On the other hand, the theme of Thanthania Swami Vivekananda Sporting Club is whether science is a curse or a boon.
Not all organizers of the Goddess of Knowledge believe in subjects.
“In this era of themes, we have been able to maintain our traditional worship for the past 13 years,” said Debdeep Mandal, secretary of the Goabagan Star Sporting Club in North Kolkata.
Meanwhile, after a dip in sales of Goddess Saraswati idols for the past two years due to the pandemic and related restrictions, artisans at Earthen Modelers Colony, Kumartuli are happy that business has been good this season.
Artisan Chaina Pal said that unlike the last two years, when many schools and colleges could not organize Saraswati Puja, this year the sales are like pre-Covid days.
Clay modeler Bankim Pal also said that the market for Saraswati Puja was excellent this year.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)