2 female priests break gender norms officiating Saraswati Puja in univs

Two female students officiated as priests during Saraswati Puja at two major universities in Bangladesh, challenging traditional gender norms. 

This marks the second consecutive year for this groundbreaking event, with academics and students recognizing it as a significant achievement for religious inclusivity.

On February 3, Shrabasti Bandyopadhyay, a student from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University (2020-21 session), led the largest Saraswati Puja in the country at Jagannath Hall. Meanwhile, at Jagannath University, Samadrita Bhaumik, a student from the English Department (2018-19 session), took on the role of priest.

Dr. Gitiara Nasreen, a Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University, praised the initiative as a positive step. However, she also expressed concern that such a significant event had not been more widely publicized. At Jagannath University, the introduction of a female priest last year set a strong precedent, receiving overwhelming support from both faculty and students.

Mahashweta Roy Mitu, a student from the 2020-21 session, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that "The Goddess of Knowledge does not differentiate between men and women, so neither should the rituals dedicated to her."

Reflecting on her own experience, Samadrita highlighted that while religious scriptures do not prohibit women from performing rituals, societal norms still act as barriers. "I hope this initiative expands further and encourages more women to take up significant religious roles," she said.

The increasing participation of women in these religious ceremonies at two prestigious institutions signals a growing shift towards a more inclusive and progressive approach to religious practices in Bangladesh. While challenges remain, these efforts represent a pivotal step in reshaping perceptions and advancing gender equality within religious traditions.