The worship of Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and music, has begun with offerings at a total of 76 pavilions at Dhaka University's Jagannath Hall.

Every year, this grand puja celebration is held on the Jagannath Hall grounds.

Goddess Saraswati represents divine knowledge and learning. Each year, the goddess of knowledge is worshipped on Shri Panchami during the bright fortnight of the month of Magh.

From Friday morning, students have been worshipping Saraswati at the Jagannath Hall grounds through chanting, aarti ceremonies, and floral offerings from devotees.

Sujit Bakshi Sourav, a student in the Department of Communication and Journalism, said: "Two rounds of offerings have already been made. It feels wonderful to be able to make these offerings."

As in previous years, students from various departments and institutes have organized the puja around the hall's sports field. Most of the 76 pavilions are designed around different departmental themes.

Jagannath Hall has traditionally been known as the main hub for this puja at the university. As always, the Faculty of Fine Arts has created the idols to be placed in the middle of Jagannath Hall's pond.

On Thursday evening, the hall administration and puja celebration committee announced that the formal phase of this year's Saraswati Puja would begin on Friday with the installation of the idols.

However, unlike previous years when a detailed press conference was held the day before the puja, this wasn't done this time.

The hall's provost and president of the puja celebration committee, Professor Debashish Pal said: "We couldn't hold a press conference this time due to time constraints. However, all guidelines have been communicated through press releases and large billboards at the puja."

In a statement signed by Professor Debashish Pal, it was announced: "Under the continuous and effective supervision of Dhaka University's Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors (Administration and Education), Treasurer, and Proctors, Jagannath Hall administration is working to ensure security throughout the entire hall premises, from the hall temple and central puja pavilion onward. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police, National Security Intelligence (NSI), Shahbag Police Station, and Fire Service are supporting us with necessary manpower and technical assistance in this regard."

He added: "The entire Jagannath Hall will be under CCTV surveillance; metal detectors and other technology will be used at entry points; a special safe corner has been set up for nursing infants. The use of any kind of firecrackers or fireworks has been prohibited, among other notable measures. Additionally, special stickers have been provided by the hall administration for vehicle control.

He further said: "With the cooperation of the Palashi Fire Service, we've also successfully organized a fire drill involving the hall's students, teachers, officers, and staff. This year's two-day celebration at Jagannath Hall's temple will include floral offerings, distribution of prasad, a delightful cultural evening, and a blood donation program. Additionally, for the two-day event inside the hall, there will be several rides, toy shops, and food stalls for the entertainment of visiting children and teenagers."

Another Dhaka University student, Aniruddha Biswas said that the idol installation will be at 12:01am, puja will begin at 8 AM, floral offerings at 9am and the unveiling of the commemorative booklet cover at 11am.

The Finance Department has chosen a theme of depicting the universe through lights and alpana (traditional art), while the English Department has chosen a plan to decorate their pavilion entirely with hand-drawn art.

Lakshmi Kanta Roy, a student from the English Department, said: "While in other years pavilions were made with foam or shola (pith), this year, for the first time, the pavilion has been made entirely by hand-drawing."

A student from the Finance Department, requesting anonymity, said: "We're working with everyone's enthusiastic participation. Because of the lighting, our pavilion will look even more beautiful in the darkness."