Saraswati Puja to be a low-key affair

PATNA: With most schools, colleges and coaching institutes functioning in a phased manner amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Basant Panchami will be a low-key affair on Tuesday.

Since goddess Saraswati is an epitome of knowledge, education, music and art, the festival is of utmost importance to students and artists. But celebrating yet another festival without friends and relatives is no less than a disappointment to them.

Class XII student Rishika Singh told this newspaper on Monday, “When I heard there would be no Saraswati Puja celebrations at my coaching institute this time, I was really upset. I will have to stay home.”

NIT-Patna’s Sakchishree recalled that Saraswati Puja used to be the highlight of her institute. “I would prepare the ‘prasad’ with my friends and was a member of the decorating committee as well. I will miss all the fun this year,” she said.

A Class XI student, Aadarsh Kumar, pointed out, “Basant Panchami will be a low-key affair this time. No students will participate in the celebrations.”

Adjusting to the new normal, some coaching institutes in the city have decided to conduct virtual Saraswati Puja celebrations for their students. “To avoid gatherings, we have asked the students to join us virtually,” said Brijesh Kumar, the manager of a coaching institute in Rajendra Nagar.

Many residential societies have also decided not to celebrate Basant Panchami on a large scale due to the pandemic. Somya Chaudhary, the president of a housing society in Boring Road area, claimed, “Every year we would have theme-based celebrations on our campus. Keeping in mind the safety of the residents, we will not have any celebrations this time.”

However, there are some people who believe that the pandemic cannot dampen their festive spirit. Instead of sulking, Kankarbagh resident Shanya Chauhan has bought a small idol of goddess Saraswati and decorated a corner of her house.