Bangladesh

Female priest breaks tradition, leads Saraswati Puja at JnU

A female priest conducted Saraswati Puja at Jagannath University (JnU) today, breaking traditional norms.

Samadrita Bhowmik, a student of the English department's 2018-19 academic year, led the rituals, including Banibharchana, Aarti, and Pushpanjali, as Hindu students worshipped the goddess of wisdom and music.

While male priests performed the ceremonies at 36 other mandaps across the campus, this exception was met with widespread appreciation from students and faculty members.

An English department student lauded the initiative, saying, "There is no gender barrier in the pursuit of knowledge. Likewise, there should be no gender discrimination in religious practices. The scriptures do not prohibit women from conducting puja."

Determined to challenge stereotypes, Samadrita said, "There is a common misconception in our society that women cannot perform puja. I decided to lead the rituals myself to challenge this false belief."

This year, a total of 37 mandaps were set up across the university. The puja celebrations were organised by 33 academic departments, two institutes, the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, and three departments from the Faculty of Fine Arts.
 

The campus was transformed with colorful alpana and decorative lighting, creating a festive atmosphere. Students beautifully adorned the mandaps at key locations such as Shanto Chattar, the ground floor of Shaheed Sajid Academic Building, the Faculty of Science courtyard, the Arts Building, and the Faculty of Social Sciences premises.

To ensure a smooth and secure celebration, the university implemented extensive security measures. Professor Md Tajammul Haque, the university's proctor, said, "Maximum security has been arranged for the puja. Law enforcement agencies, the police, and the university's proctorial team are monitoring the campus round the clock. CCTV cameras have been installed across the campus, and all puja activities are to be concluded by 8:00pm as per the university's directive."

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Female priest breaks tradition, leads Saraswati Puja at JnU

A female priest conducted Saraswati Puja at Jagannath University (JnU) today, breaking traditional norms.

Samadrita Bhowmik, a student of the English department's 2018-19 academic year, led the rituals, including Banibharchana, Aarti, and Pushpanjali, as Hindu students worshipped the goddess of wisdom and music.

While male priests performed the ceremonies at 36 other mandaps across the campus, this exception was met with widespread appreciation from students and faculty members.

An English department student lauded the initiative, saying, "There is no gender barrier in the pursuit of knowledge. Likewise, there should be no gender discrimination in religious practices. The scriptures do not prohibit women from conducting puja."

Determined to challenge stereotypes, Samadrita said, "There is a common misconception in our society that women cannot perform puja. I decided to lead the rituals myself to challenge this false belief."

This year, a total of 37 mandaps were set up across the university. The puja celebrations were organised by 33 academic departments, two institutes, the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, and three departments from the Faculty of Fine Arts.
 

The campus was transformed with colorful alpana and decorative lighting, creating a festive atmosphere. Students beautifully adorned the mandaps at key locations such as Shanto Chattar, the ground floor of Shaheed Sajid Academic Building, the Faculty of Science courtyard, the Arts Building, and the Faculty of Social Sciences premises.

To ensure a smooth and secure celebration, the university implemented extensive security measures. Professor Md Tajammul Haque, the university's proctor, said, "Maximum security has been arranged for the puja. Law enforcement agencies, the police, and the university's proctorial team are monitoring the campus round the clock. CCTV cameras have been installed across the campus, and all puja activities are to be concluded by 8:00pm as per the university's directive."

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অযথা সময়ক্ষেপণ করে সরকারে থাকার বিন্দুমাত্র ইচ্ছা আমাদের নেই: আসিফ নজরুল

‘রাজনৈতিক দলগুলোর সঙ্গে ফেব্রুয়ারির মাঝামাঝির মধ্যে থেকে আলোচনা শুরু করতে আগ্রহী।’

১৩ ঘণ্টা আগে