THE Punjabi Community Centre was this afternoon filled with the smell of incense and sound of drumming, as worshippers marked the Sarswati Puja.

The holy day celebrates the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom and nature.

Traditionally, families mark the day by encouraging their young children to try writing their first words. Youngsters pray to the goddess for wisdom.

Later this evening, hundreds of people are expected to pack the hall for a night of music, food and dancing.

Suvapan Roy, one of the organisers of the festival, said yesterday afternoon that 25 groups would be playing that evening.

“Over the years the calibre of the programme is high and a lot of people come and attend,” he said. “It’s a big audience and a good opportunity for people to show off their school or dance group.

For more, read tomorrow’s Adver.