The Bengali Association of Greater Atlanta (BAGA) celebrated Saraswati Puja at Shamrock Middle School on 9th February 2008 with much fanfare and festivity. Devi Saraswati is the Goddess of knowledge, wisdom, music and art. She represents the union of power and intelligence, which forges organized creation.
Around four hundred BAGA members & well wishers gathered together to pray for the blessing of knowledge. The Puja started around 10.30 am on Saturday Morning. Another significant aspect of this day is “Hathe Khori” where small children are initiated to learning and are taught to hold their pencil in a proper manner to write the first alphabet. This day is considered as one the auspicious day to start ones education. The Puja ended with Arati and Puspanjali. After that Prasad is distributed, this is followed by lunch.
As a part of the cultural program, many young talented participants performed dance, singing and instrumental music. The BAGA Bangla School also took part in the cultural function. A drawing competition has also been arranged for children of various age groups.
This day is the also the day for the Annual Election. The BAGA Executive Committee is being elected and formed for the year 2008-2009.
“We all feel that BAGA has a very strong bondage and will continue to serve the community in an exemplary manner in a very unique way,” said the press release issued by BAGA.