Saraswati Puja, the festival dedicated to the Goddess of knowledge, music, art, and culture, will be celebrated across Bangladesh tomorrow (Friday) with traditional religious fervor and festivity.

In a special message marking the occasion, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus extended his greetings to the Hindu community.

The festival, also known as Basant Panchami, is observed annually on the Panchami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Magha.

It is a day deeply rooted in the pursuit of wisdom, where children are traditionally introduced to learning through the "Hatekhori" ritual, marking their first steps into education by scribbling on slates with chalk.

Educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, serve as the primary hubs for the celebration as students seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati for their academic and artistic endeavors.

The rituals will commence in the morning with formal prayers, followed by the offering of "anjali" and the distribution of prashad among devotees.

Goddess Saraswati, depicted as a graceful figure riding a swan or peacock and adorned with a crescent moon, is revered as the embodiment of creativity and inspiration, appearing when nature is in full bloom.

One of the most magnificent celebrations will take place at the Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University, where students from 74 departments have erected 74 distinct puja pandals on the dormitory's playground.

Jagannath Hall Provost Debashis Pal confirmed that comprehensive security measures are in place to ensure a peaceful festival, which will also include a cultural ceremony on Saturday.

The central puja at the hall's Upasanaloy is scheduled to begin at 9 am, with devotees offering anjali from 10 am onwards. A major attraction at the university will be the Fine Arts Faculty’s massive Saraswati idol, traditionally crafted from cork-sheet and bamboo and placed in the center of the hall's pond.

Beyond the Dhaka University campus and its female dormitories, major celebrations are organized at the Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ram Krishna Mission, and various temples across Old Dhaka, Banani, and the Supreme Court premises.

The festival is a nationwide event, with significant celebrations also held in Chattogram and Madaripur, reflecting the country's rich cultural and religious diversity as the Hindu community comes together to honor the goddess of wisdom.