No clue what shlokas mean? Priests will explain this Puja

Kolkata, August 26 This Durga Puja, don’t be taken aback to hear priests explaining the meaning of the mantras and shlokas and start telling related anecdotes.

Sarva Bharatiya Prachya Bidya Academy believes that in recent years people are not taking pujas seriously. To help people understand the importance of shlokas, the academy will be conducting an eight-day workshop in which priests as well as common people will be told the meaning and the history behind the verses.

“Somewhere amidst all the festivities, the spirituality has disappeared from Durga Puja. Through the workshops, we intend to teach Sanskrit, Vedas as well as Upanishads,” said Jayanta Kushary, principal of the academy.

Forty students have already joined the course. Interestingly, several doctors, lawyers and chartered accountants have signed up for the course.

The workshop is being conducted at the premises of the Shovabazar Rajbari Natmandir.

Kushary, who has been a family priest with the Debs of Shovabazar, had started a similar venture nearly a decade ago with fellow-priest Naba Kumar Bhattacharya.

In 2000, the Academy was established with branches in Delhi and Agartala, Benaras, Shillong and Kamakhya that will impart training as well as bestow a degree.

“This year many people approached us. They felt that it was necessary to bring back some of the spirituality to the puja festivities.,” Kushary said.

Fellow priest Samar Chakraborty. “On the first day of the workshop, we were surprised to see many women turning up. There will also be courses that will help them assist the priests in the puja activities.” source: http://www.expressindia.com