On Sunday, 2 February, 2025, the CNPC Durga Bari transformed into a retreat of divine radiance as devotees gathered to celebrate Saraswati Puja. The air was imbued with the gentle promise of spring, a season of renewal, as people embraced the timeless tradition dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge, wisdom and art. The atmosphere was alive with anticipation. Adorned in radiant yellow and immaculate white symbolising vitality and purity, devotees commenced their day with early ablutions, thereafter proceeding to the holy abode. The subtle murmur of recited mantras, “Om Aim Saraswatyai Namaha” and more, resonated through the crisp morning air, inviting the divine presence to grace the proceedings.
The Puja unfolded with a series of rituals and activities. Amidst the reverent recitation of mantras, lyrical prayers praising the Goddess’s virtue, musical grace, and eternal wisdom, followed by pushpanjali, toddlers participated in the sacred ritual of hathekhori, marking the auspicious start of their educational journey. Customary prasad and sweets were shared among the gathered devotees, their sweetness a mirror of the divine blessings sought on this day.
As the bright morning gave way to a gilded afternoon, the sky itself became a canvas of celebration, with Bhog Prasad, a cherished tradition symbolising the fresh recipe of knowledge and intellectual pursuit. Amid the joyful chatter and the soft strains of devotional music, CNPC Durga Bari transcended from a locale to a living, breathing revelry of culture and community spirit. The day culminated in a sense of collective hope and renewal, as every recited mantra and every shared smile served as a reminder of the transformative power of wisdom. Saraswati Puja at CNPC Durga Bari emerged as more than an observance; a poetic canvas of devotion, art, and the perennial quest for enlightenment, a day that etched a mark on the hearts and minds of all who attended. After sundown, devotees enjoyed a lively musical soiree, followed by an exclusive members-only dinner.
