Saraswati Puja gives artistes a chance to offer their thanks: Devlina Kumar

Actress Devlina Kumar believes that Saraswati Puja must be celebrated by all because ‘we are all still students’. Being an actress and in the world of the arts herself, Devlina cherishes this festival. Reminiscing her childhood memories, she shared with us all that makes this day special for her, the family rituals, and the bhog that she looks forward to enjoying with loved ones. Excerpts:

‘I only eat kul after offering anjali’
Sri Panchami is the most significant festival for us, especially for those who are into performing arts. Most Bengalis are associated with some creative activity or other from their childhood. Saraswati Puja is a meaningful occasion that spotlights the value of education, creativity, and why it’s essential to keep nurturing one’s intellectual and artistic desires. It serves as a reminder of the pursuit of enlightenment and the joy that comes from learning and sharing knowledge.
'I still follow the family ritual of applying haldi on my face on Saraswati Puja’
I studied in a convent school and a Christian minority college, so I missed out on the fun of Saraswati Puja as a student. However, my dance school made up for it with elaborate celebrations. I’d wear my mother’s yellow sari for our evening performances. Another fun thing about the day back then was that we didn’t have to study, as we had to keep the books in front of the idol. At home, all of us still wear new clothes, offer anjali, and follow our traditions. Even after marriage, I often spend the night before the festival at my parents’ home. And, every year, my mother applies haldi on my face. She believes it enhances my beauty and it’s a cherished family ritual. After that, I put on a new yellow sari.
‘I make garlands for the goddess every year’
I make all puja preparations myself. Stitching marigold garlands for the goddess is a ritual that I still follow. I fast in the morning and like all Bengalis, I believe that if you eat and then offer pushpanjali, you’re going to fail miserably.
‘My official date with my husband was on Saraswati Puja’

Saraswati Puja is also the Bengali Valentine’s Day. And yes, I fell in love on this day. I still go out on Saraswati Puja dates with my husband. In fact, I remember the first Saraswati Puja that we celebrated together – that was the day we formally went out together! We still maintain that and go for a date on this day wearing colour-coordinated outfits. So, twinning with Gourab (Chatterjee) is a must on Saraswati Puja.
Quotes:
I love seeing yellow saris for kids in the markets. It reminds me of how Ma used to let me pick my sari for Saraswati Puja. Yellow is my colour as it signifies love & wisdom
This festival reminds me to always remain a student
Bhog at my parents’ home always has luchi, khichuri, alur dom, labra, begun bhaja, phulkopir torkari, kuler chutney
Pic: Tathagata Ghosh; makeup and hair: Amit Bhadra; outfit and styled by: Abhisek Roy