The huge gathering at Saraswati Puja has proved that people of Bangladesh believe in the spirit of non-communalism, says Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
“Inspired by the spirit of non-communalism, people from all walks of life spontaneously participated in all religious festivals,” he said.
Kamal made the comment while inspecting a makeshift mandap of Saraswati goddess at city’s Frimagte on Friday (Feb 10).
The minister said, “In terms of religion, people in Bangladesh are Hindus, Muslims and Christians but they all are Banglaee.”
Kamal hoped that offering to Saraswati goddess would help students enlighten in knowledge and wisdom to lead a non-communal Bangladesh in future.
The Hindu community is celebrating Saraswati Puja, worshipping the goddess of knowledge, music, art and culture, across the country on Sunday like elsewhere in the world amid much enthusiasm, festivity and religious favour.
Saraswati Puja or Basant Panchami falls on the fifth day of the Bengali month of Maagh each year when Hindus worship goddess Saraswati to mark the coming of spring.
Traditionally children are introduced to education and learning on the day of Saraswati Puja and this ritual is called “Hatekhori”. Toddlers are usually given a slate and chalk to scribble with on an auspicious day.
Major Hindu temples, schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions stage the festival with traditional gaiety and religious favour.
The students, in particular, seek blessings of goddess Saraswati in their pursuit of knowledge, art, music and culture.