Saraswati Puja: Ustad Rashid Khan installs idol of Goddess Saraswati at his residence
India Today
Ustad Rashid Khan stated that he started celebrating Saraswati Puja with grandeur ever since he came to Kolkata. However, due to Covid, the celebrations were cut down in the past two years.
As the entire country celebrated Saraswati Puja on Saturday, Ustad Rashid Khan, who was conferred with Padma Bhushan in January, installed a permanent idol of Goddess Saraswati on the auspicious day to make sure that he can worship the Goddess throughout the year.
Ustad Khan stated that he started celebrating Saraswati Puja with grandeur ever since he came to Kolkata. However, due to Covid, the celebrations were cut down in the past two years but have begun once again in 2022.
"Few students have come as we can't celebrate much due to Covid. Families of students also used to come. The celebration used to run long. We have to cut it down, hoping that next year will be better," said Ustad Khan.
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In West Bengal, Saraswati Puja is seen as a day when young boys and girls dress in bright coloured Indian attires, go out. For a huge section of Bengalis, the day is considered to be Bengal's own 'Valentine’s Day'.
When asked about the maestro's memories of his youth days for this day, he stated that it's better to celebrate Saraswati Puja than Valentine's Day.
"See, the one I feel in love with, did not waste time, got married, invested that time in music. Remember Maa Saraswati, I tell these kids, if you find someone, marry that person, and concentrate on music and Maa Saraswati," said Ustad Rashid Khan.
