Saraswati Aradhana - A Celebration of Knowledge, Arts and Culture

As per Hindu faith, Saraswati is considered the Goddess of Knowledge and Education. Every Spring, the community dedicates a day to celebrate knowledge and education and we name it Saraswati Bandana. During this day, children from the community engage in a variety of programs including a Sit-N-Draw event, a Bengali drama and a talent show, showcasing a variety of cultural performances such as singing, dancing, playing of musical instruments and recitation. Parents volunteer to take an active role in managing the logistics that day and help prepare a meal that is served to the people in attendance. It remains a day where both adults and children enjoy a day of cultural immersion and engagement.

Here are the action-steps that our team will engage in to ensure successful delivery of the project.

Steps:

1. Send out an email to the community inviting participation in the event. (January first week, 2024)

2. Secure the venue for the event (possibly send an advance if needed). (January first week, 2024)

3. Book 2-hour slots at local libraries every weekend for rehearsals for the kids drama. (January first week, 2024)

4. Continue with rehearsals every weekend. (throughout January and February, until day of event)

5. Send an email reminder to the community about the event. Recruit volunteers to assist with cooking and cultural program logistics (Feb first week, 2024)

6. Identify specific light and sound equipment needs, contact local vendor to receive an estimate of light and sound equipment rental for the day. (February first week, 2024)

7. Connect with professional service to hire 2 people to assist the volunteers with preparing the meals, serving the meal and doing clean-up after the event. (February first week, 2024)

8. Connect with the local police station to hire one auxiliary police officer to stay at the venue that day. (February first week, 2024)

9. Buy ingredients needed for the meal. (February first weekend, 2024)

10. Send out email to the community detailing the schedule for the day (February first weekend, 2024)

11. Arrive on time at the venue, executive committee members to oversee smooth running of the programs throughout the day. (February 17, 2024)

The events and programs of Saraswati Bandana adheres to the mission of Bengali Cultural Society (BCS), a federally registered non-profit who strived to promote Bengali culture, heritage and literature and advance friendship and cultural exchange with other cultural organization through diverse cultural activities. Saraswati Bandana would provide a platform for cultural immersion to community members residing in Cleveland and surrounding areas. Children will be able to showcase their talents through arts, cultural performances such as singing, dancing, playing musical instruments and recitation and perform a kids drama. The day will be dedicated to to promoting cultural diversity in a diverse cultural platform in NE Ohio and beyond.