GUWAHATI, Feb 8 � The State invoked the Goddess of Knowledge Saraswati on Tuesday through traditional fanfare. But there was no knowing whether the young and the old alike were actually seeking the blessings of the Goddess or took the occasion as an opportunity to show off the best in wardrobe collection, fashion wear and indulge in unrestraint frivolity.
A beautiful morning was the forerunner to the high voltage merriment that had drowned the spiritualism of the occasion and traffic snarls, flouting of rules and open display of affection in public places brought the curtains down on a day that has in the recent years been turned into just another day of entertainment.
Along with the rest of the State, Saraswati Puja was celebrated in the capital city with much enthusiasm and since early morning the crowd was felt in the educational institutions and offices. Students dressed in their finest thronged their respective institutions and participated in various programmes that were lined up to observe the day. A majority of them dispersed after distribution of the prasad to different amusement points including parks, restaurants and the river bank. Some of the citizens could not stop remarking that Saraswati Puja has become the preparation ground for another interesting day for the youth which is the Valentine�s Day.
Countless motor cycles particularly before girls institutions in the city and display of affection by the youth in public places substantiated the cynical remarks. Not to mention, even the elderly could be seen touched by the fervour of the day. In several places, the matrons were in competition with the bubbly college going girls and their dresses too came under the criticism of the cynics.
Like in the previous years, traffic snarls marked the day and this time it was worst, the commuters say. Reckless and drunk driving by another section of youth caused inconvenience to the other citizens.
However, Saraswati Puja was celebrated with traditional gaiety in some neighbourhoods, besides media houses.
