Dhaka: Maha Saptami, the second day of the five-day Sharadiyo Durga Puja, was celebrated today amid due religious fervor and gaiety. Temples and makeshift mandaps witnessed huge devotees and visitors as beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga were installed formally on Maha Shasthi on Sunday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, though the puja began on Maha Shasthi, devotees commenced their visits to puja pandals and mandaps from today, marking the day of Maha Saptami. Dressed in traditional red and white attire, many devotees were seen visiting puja pandals across the country this evening. The temples and mandaps have been illuminated and decorated in celebration of the puja.
Earlier in the day, Maha Saptami puja was conducted nationwide as nabapatrika, nine plants including a banana tree tied together and wrapped in a white saree with red borders, were bathed in nearby rivers or ponds and placed next to Lord Ganesha. Some refer to it as ‘Kolabou’ (the banana-bride), considering it a representation of Goddess Durga rather than one of Ganesha’s wives. Known also as ‘Nabapatrika’, these nine plants symbolize the nine forms of the goddess.
Maha Saptami puja was offered to Goddess Durga at temples and makeshift mandaps across the country, followed by the offering of Anjali by fasting devotees. Prashad was distributed among them after the puja. Identical rituals were held nationwide, including in the capital, Dhaka.
The annual Sharadiyo Durgotsab began with Kalparambho on Sunday and will culminate with the immersion of idols on Bijoya Dashami. Maha Ashtami, the third day of the festival, will be celebrated tomorrow with rituals including Anjali and Kumari Puja. The Kumari Puja involves worshipping a prepubescent girl as the living incarnation of Maa Durga, a ritual rooted in the Puranas. Special security arrangements are in place across the country to ensure a peaceful celebration.