Students, teachers unite over festivities & food as city celebrates Saraswati Puja

Guwahati: Educational institutions across the city witnessed a festive environment on Friday, as Saraswati Puja was celebrated with traditional fervour and enthusiasm.Schools, colleges and universities came alive as students dressed in ethnic attire thronged campuses to seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, who embodies wisdom, knowledge and learning.From early morning, some teachers and students in charge of organising celebrations at their institutions were busy with the preparations. Idols were placed in the campus courtyards and flowers, fruits and books were offered to the goddess. Schools were adorned with flowers, and colourful rangolis. The air resonated with devotional chants and the sound of conch shells as priests performed traditional rituals.Rituparna Deori, a college student, reflected on the importance of the day, saying, “Apart from being an occasion for celebrations, it is a good opportunity to seek the blessings of the goddess. The occasion is extra special for many of us as we often witnessed the festival being celebrated at our schools when we were younger and it feels good to participate in it now.”“Saraswati Puja is an auspicious occasion for us. And, this also gives us a momentary relief from our busy schedule, as after the ritual we often go somewhere where we can catch up with our friends and have a good time with them,” said Riddhiman Mazumdar, a school student.After the rituals concluded, students gathered to partake of the sacred offering, where khichdi, mixed vegetables, and sweets were distributed among the students and staff.The entire city was lively, with citizens moving about in colourful ethnic attire. Security arrangements were also stepped up by the Guwahati traffic police near crowded institutions. Traffic personnel assisted in regulating vehicle movement to ensure a smooth flow of traffic throughout the day.Meanwhile, flower markets also reported heavy footfall two days ahead of the occasion, with devotees purchasing marigolds, jasmine, lilies, chrysanthemums, and more. Monoj Malakar, a flower seller in Uzan Bazar, said, “Demand has been continuously rising, and it remained high even on Friday. Many students have been buying bouquets as a special gesture for their partners, while devotees are also purchasing flowers in bulk for the occasion.”