Saraswati Puja is an annual celebration in February for the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom, Saraswati.
The Shree Shakti Association in Melton will host a celebration in honour of Saraswati on Saturday, February 1, at the Melton Community Hall.
Shree Shakti Association president Sanghamitra Chakraborty said they celebrate traditional Indian festivals in order to let the younger generations learn about their culture.
“Saraswati Puja is the symbol of not just knowledge, it’s also singing, art, drawing, education, everything that we learn,” she said.
“People from all backgrounds come for Saraswati Puja and do meditation, then after that they enjoy a very cultural program where they will see people dance, and we always welcome people with free food.
“We put a Saraswati Murti statue that we brought from India, and we place it and decorate the stage.
“One of the priests will come and do all the performances that need to be done.“
School-aged children will take part in a ritual known as Hatekhori, during which they write their name on a blackboard as a way of receiving the goddess’ blessing.
“The priest performs this ritual from the time that a child is ready to go to school,” Ms Chakraborty said.
“Saraswati puja is not only for school goers, it’s for all walks of life.
“Even when you are entering a medical school or a law firm, Saraswati’s blessing is a must in our culture.”
Details: shreeshaktiassociation.com.au/
Faith Macale
