We all are aware of the fact that 14th February is the day of love and is celebrated across the globe with much enthusiasm every year.
Although there are quite a few arguments against celebrating Valentine's day which I have mentioned below.
One may argue that whether one should restrict eternal feelings like 'Love ' to a specific date.
Some say that the Valentine's Day is an unfortunate day marked by St. Valentine's loss of life.So one should mourn his death and should not celebrate.
There is another argument which says that this date is a brainchild of gift companies who has used their marketing prowess to market and sell their product.
Nevertheless, the date is a significant one and people spend millions to make this day memorable.
But do you know that we Bengalis have another day for love (we are blessed..isn't it) and it is the day of 'Saraswati puja'.
Let me give a small background and explanation of Saraswati Puja for all my non-Bengali friends. Goddesses Saraswati is the goddess of education and fine art as per Hindu religion. According to our Bengali calendar, she is worshipped every year in the month of 'Maagh' which normally falls between January 15 and February 15. She is worshipped in all household along with educational institute, coaching centre, arts and dance academy etc.Young boys and girls wear ethnic dresses and attend the 'puja'(worship).This is the day when no one will ask you to study.This is the day of freedom from monotonous study routine.This is the day to set yourself free from your parent's whim and this is the day to fall in love.
I guess almost all Bengalis (except the nerds) have some memories of Saraswati puja.It may be something like getting a glance from the most beautiful girl in the class to spending few minutes with your dream girl.Or it may be about discovering the nerdy girl next door in a completely new 'avatar' in her saree.
So every year Saraswati Puja comes with new excitement ,new anticipation and lots of fun.
It is perfectly termed as the 'Bengali Valentines Day'.
A meme just for fun(no offence meant)...
My friends ..next year onwards...Let's celebrate it twice like Bengalis.