Jagannath University gears up for Saraswati Puja with 39 mandaps across campus

Jagannath University is set to celebrate Saraswati Puja, the festival dedicated to the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, on Friday.

As in previous years, students have completed most of the preparations to observe the puja with due religious solemnity.

This year, celebrations will be held at 39 mandaps across the university, including 36 academic departments, two institutes, and the only female dormitory.

Saraswati Puja will also be observed at Pogose Laboratory School and College, which operates under the university.

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During a visit to the campus on Thursday, this correspondent saw Hindu students busy with last‑minute construction and decoration work. Puja venues have been set up at several locations, including the Science Faculty field, in front of the Arts Building, Shanti Chattar, Shaheed Sajid Building, Rafique Building, and the Social Science Building.

The campus has been decorated with colourful lighting and intricate alpana designs, while each mandap has distinct themes using wood, straw, cork sheets, banners, and artistic frames.

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Biddut Sarker, a master’s student of the Department of English, said, “Like every year, we are building the mandap with the budget provided by the department and the university. We are trying to make it a little different from others.”

JnUcsu Literary and Cultural Secretary Md Takrim Mia noted that Saraswati Puja at Jagannath University is more than a religious observance. “It reflects the culture and heritage of the university. With the collective participation of students, the festival spreads messages of harmony and communal amity across the campus,” he said.

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Allocations per mandap have been increased from Tk 5,000 last year to Tk 6,000 this year. But the students say the amount remains insufficient compared to previous budgets of Tk 10,000-15,000. Many departments are collecting donations from fellow students to meet expenses.

Prof Dr Rabindra Mondal, president of the central Puja Celebration Committee, said the committee had applied to the university administration for higher allocations but students are organising the puja within the limits of available funds.

Treasurer Prof Dr Sabina Sharmin explained, “Previously, the allocation was made for followers of a specific religion. Now, we are distributing the budget proportionately."

University Proctor Prof Dr Muhammad Tazammol Hoque assured strict security measures. “Police and the proctorial body will maintain round‑the‑clock vigilance. Adequate security arrangements will be ensured both inside and outside the campus,” he said.