Saraswati Puja: A Sacred Affair with the Hindu Goddess of the Arts, Learning, and Creativity
On this sacred day devoted to the Hindu goddess Saraswati, we pay tribute to her divine presence and wisdom with a joyous gathering through chanting, music and dances.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★★
The beautifully adorned statue of Saraswati is placed at one side of the stage, accompanying the musicians and dancers throughout Saraswati Puja.
NEW TAIPEI, Taiwan — Amidst a torrential downpour, a whirlwind of guests arrived at Dream Community — a quaint residential area in Xizhi District — for a special event: Saraswati Puja.
Saraswati Puja, also known as Vasant Panchami, is a festival dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom and the learning. Organised by the Taipei India Music & Culture Centre, the event boasts a rich program of Indian music and dance performances, aptly curated to pay homage to the Hindu goddess of the arts.
The air is thick with anticipation and excitement as the event kicks off with a lamp lighting ceremony. A towering lamp positioned at the forefront of the stage beckons distinguished guests, including Sir Gourangalal Das, Director General of the Indian Taipei Association, and Gordon Tsai, Chairman of the Dream Community Foundation, to kindle the flame. The lamp’s warm and inviting light glows in the dark, reminiscent of the inspiration and empowerment that Saraswati infuses into creative souls.
Next comes the Saraswati Vandana, a Hindu mantra that invokes the goddess Saraswati. Mantosh Kumar Satapathy delivers the revered chant, singing the Sanskrit verses that liken the goddess to the purity of jasmine, the coolness of the moon, and the sheen of a garland of pearls. The intoxicating hymns also describe her flowing white sari, and the pure white lotus upon which she sits. The mantra closes with a verse that leaves the audience in a state of wonder and reassurance:
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निःशेषजाड्यापहा॥
"O Goddess Saraswati, please protect me and remove my ignorance completely.”
Following the lamp lighting ceremony, Mantosh Kumar Satapathy chants the Saraswati Vandana in Sanskrit.
Priya Lee Lalwani (right) does an excellent job hosting the event, and translating the cultural nuances amidst the musical and dance performances.
The sacred hymns set the tone for an afternoon of spectacular music and dance performances, beginning with Hindustani-Carnatic Sangam, a troupe known for fusing traditions of Hindustani music from North India and Carnatic music from South India.
Hindustani-Carnatic Sangam presents a total of ten musical pieces, including dedications to other Hindu deities such as Ganesha, Shiva and Krishna. The troupe consists of five skilled members, featuring a vocalist, a tabla player, two veena players, and a flute player. I recall seeing the troupe preform at the Indian Cultural Festival in Sanchong last year. It’s such a delight to be immersed in their music once again, only this time, we’re treated to a much longer melodic feast.
It's worth noting that the veena, a stringed musical instrument, is associated with the goddess Saraswati, who is often depicted holding one. Due to this connection, the veena is also believed to symbolise knowledge, making it the spotlight of the concert.
Immersed in classical melody, I found the music to be extremely nourishing for the mind and soul. As a member of the audience, one of the things I appreciate most about the experience is how the troupe would take the time to introduce the background of each musical piece before playing. Event host and interpreter, Priya Lee Lalwani, has also offered valuable insights into the cultural significance behind the piece, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with Indian culture could fully appreciate the performance.
After the concert ends, I take advantage of the intermission to explore the bazaar, where a variety of Indian clothes, bags, and products are on display. I make my way to the bar, where a tempting selection of Indian cuisine is being served, and I decide on a cauliflower curry and masala chana with jeera rice. The aroma of cumin and cardamom leaves my taste buds completely satisfied, rounding out the sensory feast of sight and sound.
Hindustani-Carnatic Sangam consists of Dr. Suresh Rajaraman (veena), Dr. Anupama Mallikarjunan (vocal), Mr. Amit Mengane (flute), Ms. Divya Easwaran (veena), and Mr. Akash Dubey (tabla).
Ms. Divya Easwaran performing on the veena
Dr. Suresh Rajaraman on the veena
The dance performance features a diverse range of styles, from religious Odissi dance to rejuvenating folk dance of West Bengal, from classical Kathak dance to popular Bollywood dance. And it’s a great pleasure to witness the active participation of both Indian and Taiwanese dancers on stage.
The mesmerising Odissi dance performed by Ms. Henna Wang transports the audience to the Hindu temples of Odisha, a state found on the eastern coast of India. Performed as a form of worship, the Odissi dancer’s fluid movements, intricate footwork, and expressive hand gesture — imbued with a mysterious code — never fails to leave me in awe every time I watch it.
The Taiwan-based Shakti India Dance Group presents a fascinating semi-classical dance performance that pays tribute to the goddess Saraswati. Their choreographed spectacle also features a Chinese folk song titled "Moonlight Over the Lotus Pond", alluding to the flower associated with Saraswati. It’s such a rare sight to witness the fusion of Indian dance traditions with Chinese folk culture.
On the other hand, Sayani Palit enchants the audience with her stunning semi-classical dance performance set to a classic Indian song. With elegant gestures that exude poise and grace, complemented by her exquisite attire and jewellery, she transports the spectators on a journey through the quintessential beauty of Indian arts and culture.
It’s always a delight to witness the spread of a culture beyond its national borders, taking root in another country, such is the case with Indian culture, which is finding a growing following in Taiwan. All of this would not have been possible without the exceptional musicians and dancers who, as on the occasion of Saraswati Puja, brought the room to life with sounds of chanting, music, and dance performances. The infectious rhythms and harmonies transport the audience to a realm of transcendental bliss, where Saraswati’s blessing of creativity and inspiration abound.
It’s worth mentioning that the Dream Community, where this year's Saraswati Puja is being held, is also the co-organiser of the event, and has been actively promoting Indian culture for the past two decades.
As the event comes to a close, night has already fallen over the Dream Community, with the air moist from the drizzling rain. Yet, despite the dreariness and chill of this rainy evening, the music, dance, and vibrant colours of the Saraswati Puja seem to have washed away any sense of gloom that one may have felt.
Semi-classical Odissi fusion by the Shakti Indian Dance Group. On the occasion of the event, the troupe adapts the dance to the Chinese song Moonlight Over the Lotus Pond”, alluding to the lotus flower associated with Saraswati.
Odissi dance performed by Ms. Hanna Weng, a disciple of Guru Smt. Kasturi Pattanaik. Odissi dance is a temple dance originating from Odisha, East India. Its mysterious dance posture mimics the standing posture of deities depicted in ancient caves and temples.
Semi-classical dance performance by Ms. Sayani Palit
2023 Saraswati India Festival - Vasant Panchami Celebration took place on Feburary 19.