The Bangaliana Multicultural Christchurch Community celebrated its 5th year of Saraswati Puja on 2 February in Christchurch with devotion, joy, and cultural pride. The event brought together people from all backgrounds to honor Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, learning, and the arts.
Over the years, this celebration has grown into a major cultural gathering in Christchurch, strengthening the bond among the Bengali diaspora and introducing Bengali traditions to the wider community. The day started with traditional rituals, where devotees, dressed in yellow, white, and green, gathered to offer prayers to goddess Saraswati.
The priest chanted Sanskrit mantras, creating an atmosphere filled with devotion. A special part of the ceremony was "Hate Khori," where young children wrote their first letters in front of the goddess, marking the beginning of their educational journey. This beautiful tradition symbolised the importance of knowledge and learning. Then, the stage came alive with performances by people of all age groups. The event featured classical dance, poetry recitations, and musical performances, celebrating Bengali heritage and talent.
The highlight of the cultural program was a group performance of the famous Kolkata band Bhoomi’s song, "Baranday Roddur," which had the audience clapping and singing along, bringing an energetic and joyful close to the cultural segment.
No festival is complete without a grand meal, and this celebration was no exception. Lunch featured a flavorful spread of jeera rice, daal makhani, alur dom, chutney, gulab jamun, papad, and fruit custard.
Later in the afternoon, attendees enjoyed hot masala tea and crispy pakoras, adding warmth and flavor to the festive mood.
Children had a fantastic time with face painting, a juggler, and a bouncy castle, making the event enjoyable for families. The celebration ended with fun-filled activities like musical chairs and spoonball, where participants of all ages joined in, filling the venue with laughter and excitement.
This 5th-year celebration of Saraswati Puja was not just a religious event but a beautiful gathering of culture, learning, and unity. The Bangaliana Multicultural Christchurch Community continues to grow, keeping the spirit of Saraswati Puja alive in New Zealand and strengthening cultural ties among different communities. As the day ended, attendees left with blessings from goddess Saraswati, happy memories, and a deep sense of cultural pride.