Melbourne’s Bengali community came together in large numbers to celebrate Saraswati Puja, a festival dedicated to knowledge, art and learning, at the Glen Waverley Community Centre.
Organised by the Bengali Association of Victoria (BAV), the day-long event on January 24 drew an estimated 300 people, turning the venue into a vibrant hub of devotion, creativity and community spirit. Families, elders and children participated throughout the day, reflecting the festival’s enduring relevance across generations.
The celebrations were attended, amongst others, by John Mullahy, MP for Glen Waverley, who engaged with community members and delivered a congratulatory message. In his address, Mullahy praised the BAV for its important role in strengthening Victoria’s multicultural life and bringing the community together through celebrations of heritage and learning.
“The festival of learning is a wonderful reflection of this commitment, bringing together cultural celebrations for children and families that celebrate learning while fostering long and lasting community connections,” Mullahy said.
He also congratulated BAV President Narayan Banerjee and the collective efforts of the team in organising a vibrant and well-run event that brought the community together.
A major highlight of the programme was a children’s drawing competition, organised in collaboration with Art and Easle. Young participants enthusiastically showcased their creativity, with prizes awarded to encourage artistic expression.
In addition to the competition, children took to the stage to present performances across various art forms, delighting the audience and reinforcing the festival’s focus on learning and culture.
With prayers, performances and community engagement unfolding across the day, the Saraswati Puja celebration stood out as both a religious observance and a cultural showcase—bringing together faith, education and the arts under one roof.
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