Kolkata: College Students Honor Basant Panchami with Devotion

Kolkata, Feb 3 (NationPress) Each year, Kolkata, known for its rich cultural heritage, comes alive during the celebration of Basant Panchami, a festival that signifies the onset of spring and pays tribute to Goddess Saraswati, the personification of wisdom, arts, and knowledge.

This year, Syamaprasad College in South Kolkata hosted a spectacular celebration, attracting a lively crowd of students who donned traditional attire to engage in the colorful festivities.

Boys wore traditional Punjabi kurta-pyjamas, while girls looked stunning in sarees, all gathering to receive the blessings of Maa Saraswati for success and wisdom in both their academic and personal endeavors.

First-year student Suruchi Jha expressed her enthusiasm in an interview with IANS, stating, "This is my first Basant Panchami celebration in college, and it’s been an incredible experience. I had heard stories about the grandeur of the puja here, and witnessing it live is even more mesmerizing. After the puja, we’ll relish the bhog and then continue our celebrations."

Sreenivas Singh Yadav, Vice Principal of Syamaprasad College, emphasized the importance of this occasion, saying, "The Saraswati Puja here has been a longstanding tradition since 1958. Our Student Union organizes it wonderfully, showcasing how the entire college unites—boys in Punjabi kurtas and girls in sarees. This epitomizes Bengal's unique cultural allure. The puja transcends mere worship; it serves as a moment for students to connect, share, and reflect. Following the rituals, we all come together for the 'Bhog'—a communal meal, sharing prasad as a token of unity and celebration."

Basant Panchami, also referred to as Saraswati Pooja, carries profound spiritual and cultural importance. Beyond celebrating the arrival of spring, it venerates Goddess Saraswati, whose blessings are believed to nurture wisdom and creativity. For many, this day serves as the perfect opportunity to embark on new ventures, especially in education, as both students and teachers seek Saraswati’s guidance to eliminate ignorance and embrace enlightenment.

The festival holds special significance for young children, who are welcomed into the realm of learning through rituals like Vidya Arambha or Akshar-Abhyasam. Educational institutions across India conduct Saraswati Puja ceremonies, seeking divine blessings for the academic achievements of their students.

Ultimately, Basant Panchami is not merely a celebration of spring; it is a spiritual event that brings communities together in gratitude and joy, cultivating a collective spirit of knowledge, creativity, and positivity.