It’s common knowledge that young Bengalis wait for Saraswati Puja with bated breath every year. More than our devotion to the goddess of wisdom, it’s prettying up for the special someone that makes us look forward to what is popularly known as the ‘Bengali Valentine’s Day’. Here’re a few reasons why the Bengali Valentine’s Day will always trump February 14 for us:
 
• Saraswati Puja is the only day of the year when our parents don’t say, “Porte bosh”. But Valentine’s Day is like any other day when we have to hear our parents’ tirade about how we are destined to be doomed if we don’t study.

• The girls get to show off in their ethnic best wearing basanti saris, bindi and jewellery and guys look dapper in their kurtas. Compared to this, the rather casual affair called Valentine’s Day can hardly match up. 

• Saraswati Puja is usually about feeling special with someone in the midst of a group. It doesn’t exclude the singles. Valentine’s Day is selfishly all about the couples.

• Parental restrictions are lax on Saraswati Puja — since you are hanging out with friends. Say you are hanging out with friends on Valentine’s Day and see the look on your parents’ faces! 

• Also, asking your crush out on Saraswati Puja is less of a risk since you can get away with “do you want to hang out with us?” and therefore reduce the chances of a rejection. On Valentine’s Day, chances of a ‘no’ are a little too high. 

• The charm of offering anjali on Saraswati Puja with your special someone is unparalleled to any date on Valentine’s Day. 

• Similarly, sharing prasad on Saraswati Puja is more joyful than sharing an ice cream on Valentine’s Day.

• Finally, Valentine’s Day is all about gifts ranging from heart-shaped chocolates and cards to flowers. But by the end of the day, you have a mini heart attack on checking your bank balance. In contrast, Saraswati Puja is not about fancy gifts or dinners but a pure celebration of two ‘P’s — prem and porashona. 

Which Valentine’s Day do you like more? Tell t2@abp.in