The Hindu community in the country will celebrate the Saraswati Puja today, worshiping the Goddess of knowledge, music, art and culture, reports BSS. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted the followers of the Hindu faith on the occasion pointing out the heritage of interfaith harmony and the government's commitment to ensure rights of all people belonging to diverse religion. Major Hindu temples and schools and other educational institutions including universities stage the festival with traditional gaiety, religious fervour. The students in particular seek blessings of Goddess Saraswati in their pursuit of knowledge. Traditionally Hindu children are introduced to education and learning on Saraswati Puja and this ritual is called as "Hatekhori". Toddlers are usually given a slate and chalk to scribble with on the auspicious day.
In most places including the Dakeshwari National Temple, the Puja will begin at 8am with the offering of "anjali", which will be followed by "hatekhori" (introduction to learning of children) and distribution of prashad.
Saraswati, a mythological companion of Lord Brahma, is the personification of knowledge - arts, science and crafts. According to Hindu faith she represents power, creativity and inspiration and presents herself when the weather is pleasant and nature is in its full grandeur.
Depicted as a graceful woman with a crescent moon adorning her brow, she is shown riding a swan or a peacock, or is seated on a lotus flower.
In the capital, Saraswati Puja will be celebrated at Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University, Dhakeswari temple, Ram Krishna Mission, Jaganntah University, Siddheswari temple, Supreme Court premises, Farashganj, Shakhari Bazar, Tanti Bazar and different places of Old Dhaka, Banani, Dhaka College, Eden Girls' College, Bangladesh University. Besides, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Ram Krishna Mission and Math, Ramna Kali Mandir and Maa Anandamayi Ashram, Tejgaon College, Stamford University and different educational institutions in the city will also observe the puja.