Preparations for 'Saraswati Puja 1432' are underway with enthusiastic participation from students across various departments at Dhaka University.
On-site observations on Thursday around 4 PM, showed students working alongside workers in innovative and creative ways to organize the event.
The Department of Mass Communication and Journalism has chosen a protest theme, the Finance Department has opted to represent the universe through lighting and alpana (traditional floor art), while the English Department has planned to decorate their pavilion entirely with hand-drawn artwork.
Loxmi Kanto Roy, a student from the English Department, told Dhaka Tribune that unlike previous years when pavilions were made with foam or thermocol, this year marks the first time they've created a completely hand-drawn pavilion.
A Finance Department student told Dhaka Tribune, "We're working through everyone's enthusiastic participation. The lighting will make our pavilion look even more beautiful in the darkness."
Tomorrow, Friday, Saraswati Puja will be held at Dhaka University's Jagannath Hall. This year, a total of 76 pavilions will host the celebration, including the central puja organized by Jagannath Hall administration. Students from 74 departments and institutes of Dhaka University are participating in this sacred event.
The two-day celebration will feature flower offerings, distribution of prasad (blessed food), a delightful cultural evening, and a blood donation program. Additionally, within the hall premises, there will be various rides, toys, and stalls selling pure food for children and young visitors.
Under the continuous and effective supervision of the Honorable Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors (Administration and Education), Treasurer, and Proctor of Dhaka University, the Jagannath Hall administration is working tirelessly to ensure security throughout the hall premises, from the house of worship and central puja pavilion to the entire compound.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police, National Security Intelligence (NSI), Shahbagh Police Station, and Fire Service are supporting us with necessary personnel and technical assistance.
Notable security measures include: the entire Jagannath Hall will be under CCTV surveillance; metal detectors and other technologies will be used at entry points; a special safe corner has been set up for nursing infants; and the use of firecrackers or fireworks has been prohibited.
Special stickers have been issued by the hall administration for vehicle control. With assistance from the Palashi Fire Service, we have successfully organized a fire drill involving students, teachers, officers, and staff of the hall.