The Hindu Student Council of Tufts University hosted the Diwali Puja at Tufts for the students on Saturday, Nov 13. Ranjani Saigal served as the Purohit for the evening and lead the traditional Lakshmi Puja by guiding the students to perform it.

Hindu students studying at Universities miss the opportunity to celebrate Diwali at home and partake in the traditional Puja since it occurs during the term. The Hindu Student’s Council each year hosts a traditional Lakshmi Puja. The hall was set up like a home temple with Pratima’s (Images) of Lakshmi Mata at the center. Each student who attended the Puja was given a small Pratima. Ranjani Saigal guided the performance of the traditional “Shodashopachara Puja” for Lakshmi Devi. 

“Lakshmi - The one who gives you the resources to get to your Laksha - or Goal is specially worshipped on the day of Diwali” said Saigal. “The light that is lit of Diwali symbolizes the removal of ignorance and evil. Once the negative energy is removed, we should pray to Devi to give us the resources to do good in the world”.  Saigal explained every part of the Puja in detail so the students could grasp the meaning and perform it with the right attitude. 

The Hindu Student Council at Tufts now has a new Hindu Advisor, Dr. Preeta Banerjee who serves the role of a spiritual advisor for the students. This is a great support for the Hindu Students at Tufts who can celebrate their Hindu heritage and continue their prayers at the University while away from home. 

The students were delighted to be part of the Puja . The evening ended with the sharing of sweets in the traditional manner and brought the event to a sweet close. 

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