Hello my dear readers ,so January is over and its time for February the shortest month, loving and full of excitement because its time for valentine’s day for couples and Saraswati puja for singles and also for everyone may they are students or not. So let’s go on the journey through the lanes of Kolkata and we will get to know how this great festival is celebrated all around Kolkata.
Saraswati Puja, dedicated to the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and arts, is a festival celebrated with great fervor in Kolkata, West Bengal. It usually falls in late January or early February, marking the arrival of spring. The festival is particularly significant for students, who seek the blessings of Saraswati for success in their studies. In Kolkata, Saraswati Puja is not just a religious event but a cultural extravaganza, with beautifully decorated pandals, elaborate rituals, and vibrant cultural programs. The city comes alive with the sound of dhak (drums), the aroma of incense, and the sight of devotees dressed in traditional attire, making it a truly unique and memorable experience. So today in this blog we will get to know about Saraswati puja in Kolkata and the the fun which everyone in Kolkata has on this great and auspicious day.
The Quirky Saga of Saraswati Puja in Kolkata: A Humorous Chronicle
In the bustling streets of Kolkata, there’s a time of the year when the city transforms into a vibrant canvas of colors, music, and laughter. Yes, we’re talking about Saraswati Puja, the much-awaited festival dedicated to the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and arts. But in Kolkata, this celebration takes on a whole new level of excitement, complete with quirky traditions and a dash of humor that is quintessentially Bengali.
One of the most amusing aspects of Saraswati Puja in Kolkata is the frenzy that grips the city in the days leading up to the festival. Students, young and old alike, are seen scouring the markets for the perfect ‘ek chala’ (one-sided) notebooks, which are considered auspicious for the occasion. The sight of students bargaining with shopkeepers over the price of these notebooks is a common one and often leads to much hilarity. They use those new notebooks and pencils pens all after worshipping them. This gives them the thought that the goddess is with her for supporting her so they just need to work hard and they will get the success.
The Preparations Begin:
Pandal Hopping and Ek Chala Notebooks As Saraswati Puja approaches, the city of Kolkata gets decked up in all its glory. Pandals, temporary structures built to house the goddess, start cropping up in every locality. These pandals are not just places of worship but also works of art, with themes ranging from traditional to contemporary. One of the unique traditions associated with Saraswati Puja is the search for the perfect “ek chala” notebook. Considered auspicious, these one-sided notebooks are sought after by students who believe that they bring luck and success in their studies.
The Day of Celebration:
A Feast for the Senses On the day of Saraswati Puja, the city wakes up to the sound of dhak, the traditional drum, signaling the start of the festivities. Devotees, dressed in their finest attire, throng the pandals to offer their prayers to the goddess. The air is filled with the scent of incense and the sound of hymns, creating a spiritual ambiance. One of the highlights of the day is the elaborate “bhog” or community feast served in the pandals. From traditional Bengali dishes like khichdi and labra to sweets like payesh and sandesh, the bhog is a gastronomic delight that brings people together in celebration.
This is no ordinary meal but a feast fit for the gods themselves, with a menu that includes everything from khichdi to pulao to sweets like payesh and sandesh. The sight of people queuing up for seconds (and sometimes thirds) of these delicious dishes is a testament to their popularity
On the day of Saraswati Puja, the city comes alive with pandals (temporary structures) dedicated to the goddess springing up in every nook and corner. These pandals are not just places of worship but also hotbeds of creativity and competition. Each locality tries to outdo the other in terms of the grandeur and uniqueness of their pandal, leading to some truly awe-inspiring and sometimes downright bizarre creations.
Cultural Extravaganza :
Music, Dance, and Art As the day progresses, the cultural aspect of Saraswati Puja takes center stage. Pandals host a variety of cultural programs, including music and dance performances, plays, and recitations. These programs showcase the talent of local artists and provide a platform for budding talents to shine. It’s a time when the entire city comes together to celebrate its rich cultural heritage, making Saraswati Puja truly special.
However, amidst all the fun and frolic, Saraswati Puja in Kolkata also has a serious side. It is a time when students pray for success in their studies and artists seek inspiration for their creative pursuits. The puja is also a time for families to come together and celebrate, making it one of the most cherished festivals in the Bengali calendar.
Saraswati puja also gives reason for young children’s to dress up in traditional clothes. The girls are especially dress up in colorful sarees and the boys in kurtas .This shows that the youth are still connected with their culture and traditions.
Saraswati Puja in Kolkata is not just a religious festival; it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community spirit. It’s a time when the city comes alive with color, music, and art, embodying the essence of Kolkata’s vibrant culture. So, if you ever find yourself in Kolkata during Saraswati Puja, make sure to soak in the festivities and experience the magic of this unique celebration.
So, if you ever find yourself in Kolkata during Saraswati Puja, be prepared to be swept away by the infectious energy and humor of the city. And who knows, you might just find yourself bargaining for an ‘ek chala’ notebook or two. Please enjoy the religious vibes of Kolkata ,visit the best places with your friends, have best food of Kolkata and give plus point to my and your Kolkata in reviews.
