DEVOTEES will celebrate the goddess of wisdom, art, science and philosophy at a colourful celebration at the Punjabi Community Centre, at Kembrey Park, on Sunday.

The event, organised by the Swindon Mela Project team, has special significance to the careers of students, academics, singers and musicians.

It is held every year on the fifth day of Magha in the vernacular calendar, which has special importance significance in various communities, especially the Bengalis.

Devotees come together to worship the goddess by offering fruits, flowers and sweets.

And children are asked to write the first letters of the vernacular language with chalk on slates as a priest chants.

This is seen as the time education informally begins for the child in the community.

All children attending the Puja are welcome to take part in the ritual known as Hath-e Khori ritual and are asked to bring a chalk and slate or exercise book and pencil on the day.

Mina Bhogal, the company secretary for Swindon Mela, said: “On behalf of the Swindon Mela Project team I would like to congratulate the Swindon Puja Committee on the fourth anniversary of Saraswati Puja.

"The Mela has been involved with the planning of the Puja since its inception and supports the aims and objectives of the committee in being committed to promoting their culture and heritage, supporting the society that they live in and reinforcing future generations with meaningful values.

"They strive to keep rich culture and heritage alive through various religious events, social and educational activities and cultural programs throughout the year.

"The Mela is pleased to be part of a growing association and are confident that through community ownership and partnership we can work together to promote community cohesion, racial harmony and diversity.”

One of the main attractions on the day will be kite flying, a very old custom attached to the festival.

The colourful kites are flown and each person tries to cut the tail off the other person’s kite.

This year the Puja has received support from various community organisations such as the Swindon Temple Trust, Swindon Tamil Association, Swindon Asian Performing Arts Council, Swindon Hindu Samaj, the Bangladesh Association Swindon and Swindians.

Swapan Roy, the president of the Swindon Puja committee said: “I am overwhelmed with the offers of support and value the guidance that is being received."

Anyone wanting to volunteer to help on the day, can email volunteer The Puja relies on volunteers and if anyone would like to help out on the day with various tasks such as decorating the hall, preparing or distributing food they should contact me via swindonpuja@aol.co.uk.

“There is no entrance fee for the day’s event, however, any donations would be very much welcome to help with the running costs. Collection buckets will be available on the day. There will also be information stalls from the Mela and Tamil Association and vendors selling jewellery, saris, eggless cakes, henna applications and even a raffle to raise vital funds to keep the event running yearly.Entrance to the event on Sunday will be via Cricklade Road.

Entry is free but donations are encouraged.