Newbury’s Hindu community celebrates Saraswati Pooja at the Waterside Youth and Community Centre on Sunday, February 2

Members of Newbury’s Indian community came together earlier this month to celebrate Saraswati Pooja, a festival in honour of the Hindu goddess Saraswati that marks the preparation for the arrival of spring.

The event was held with “great devotion and enthusiasm” at the Waterside Youth and Community Centre on Sunday, February 2.

The day-long festival was divided into a morning and evening programme and it attracted more than 100 attendees.

The morning session commenced at 11am with traditional Pooja rituals dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, the Hindu deity of wisdom, learning and the arts.

A significant highlight of the morning was the Haate Khori ceremony, a revered tradition marking the introduction of young children to education.

Parents and elders guided their little ones through their first written letters in an auspicious and culturally significant moment.

Following this, devotees participated in the Pushpanjali ceremony, offering flowers and prayers to seek the blessings of the goddess.

The evening programme featured Aarti, another round of Pushpanjali, and a vibrant cultural presentation.

Attendees were “enthralled” by performances of traditional Indian classical dances such as Bharat Natyam and Odissi, which “beautifully depicted mythological themes through expressive movements”.

Devotional songs resonated throughout the venue, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the celebration.

One of the event organisers, Sanjeev Agarwala, said: “The Saraswati Pooja celebrations in Newbury highlighted the community’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and their commitment to passing on traditions to younger generations.

“The event was a testament to the unity and cultural vibrancy of the Indian diaspora in the UK.

“Participants expressed their joy and appreciation for the organisers, who ensured the success of this spiritually enriching occasion.

“With such a successful gathering this year, the community looks forward to an even grander celebration in the years to come.”