From poetry recitation, singing India’s national anthem, to Indian dancing, many forms of art were presented, giving the young children an opportunity to showcase their talent and build self-confidence while continuing their culture. Last but not least, BAGA’s little performers enthralled the audience by their performances in front of Ma Saraswati’s deity and got her blessings. The vocal musical segment, “ Hridoy Basanto,” was a collage of songs presented by some very talented singers of Atlanta starting with Saraswati vandana, Tagore songs, and modern songs welcoming the beautiful and colorful season of Spring and concluding with a few patriotic songs celebrating India’s 69th Republic Day. The next segment was a spectacular Bihu dance by young girls and wonderful dance number by little boys set to the popular patriotic song of yesteryear, “ Nanha munna rahi hoon.”ĭancing in front of the deity. A “Go as You Like” kids’ talent show showcased the versatile talents of children of all ages. Devotional songs were beautifully rendered by a group of very talented children, and an extremely talented fusion band of the BAGA Youth Committee followed. In the afternoon a cultural program was held in the auditorium, headed and coordinated by BAGA Vice President and cultural coordinator Mrs. Vendors’ tables of clothing, jewelry, and art created a festive mood. The ritual was done by the priest holding their hands and helping them to write ‘ Om,’ or some letters of the alphabet in English or Bengali (‘ Ka, Kha, Ga’), usually on a small slate with chalk. Hate khori is a very auspicious ceremony when children 3 - 4 years old are initiated into education. The celebrations began with prathna (prayers), kids’ art competition, and pushpanjali (offering of flowers) followed by hate khori.
A beautiful new backdrop made for the 2018 celebration represented a music notebook and, together with a huge red inkpot with feather pen, created an ambience befitting Ma Saraswati-and also reflected the dedication of the decoration committee to continuing their culture through art. On her left were a small ink bottle and a book on her right was the hamsa or swan (her vehicle representing beauty and also discernment, since the swan is said to be able to separate milk from water with its beak, symbolizing the need for individuals to always discern between right and wrong). Her right hand was in a gesture of blessing, and she held her veena in her left hand.
Dressed in white for purity, she stood on the lotus, which, untouched by the muddy waters in which it grows, symbolizes the need to remain untouched by negative influences which may surround us. (Photo: Madhumita Chakraborty)Ī beautiful setting was made for Ma Saraswati, the bestower of knowledge, music, and art. The new setting for Ma Saraswati, bestower of knowledge, music, and art. On this day especially, Ma Saraswati is worshipped, and blessings are invoked for children who are initiated into writing and learning. The all-day event was organized to celebrate Basant Panchmi, the fifth day of Spring, a day of festivity celebrated in different parts of India as a new beginning. While nature was showering rain around Atlanta on Saturday, January 27, 2018, members of Bengali Association of Greater Atlanta (BAGA) were offering flowers of devotion and love to Ma Saraswati, Goddess of Knowledge, at Duluth High School in Duluth, Georgia.