Festive main drive by daylight
24 Jan is Saraswati Puja, the festival which
honours Saraswati, goddess of education and knowledge. I gather the festival is particularly well
celebrated at universities: at BAU preparations have been going on all week. On about Monday or Tuesday there were a
series of small divots at regular intervals along the drive; these turned into
fairly deep holes; next came bamboo poles, inserted and painted orange-white-and-green. Next were flags, and a higher set of poles
which support flashing LED lights. The main building and the fountains, trees,
shrubs and bushes lining the drive have all been draped in lights as well. The effect is festive in the day time and dazzlingly
spectacular (in a slightly migraine-inducing way) at night!
The main building, fountains and canopy of lights
A tunnel of flashing lights!
Work has also been underway all week on a covered stage; I believe
it is to hold the statue of Saraswati. The
goddess herself is under wraps until tomorrow: it's bad luck to uncover her until just
before the festivities begin.
The LED gateway and the covered stage for the goddess Saraswati
Working on the stage
Goddess Saraswati: masked and wrapped until 24 Jan
I have been formally and informally invited (several times –
people are very friendly) to attend Saraswati Puja. I understand the celebration is mostly
conducted by the students; staff attend to watch and enjoy the celebration, but
take a back seat role. I'm looking
forward to the festivities...and after Saraswati Puja we look forward to the 26
Jan celebrations for Republic Day!
My invitation to Saraswati Puja
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