Dhaka: The five-day long Sharadiyo Durga Puja, the major religious festival for the Bangalee Hindu community, is set to conclude tomorrow with the immersion of Goddess Durga's idols throughout the country, observed with religious fervor and solemnity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, on Bijoya Dashami, the festival's final day, colorful processions will emerge from temples and makeshift puja mandaps. Devotees will participate in chanting mantras, beating traditional drums, blowing conch shells, and performing ceremonial ululation before immersing the idols in nearby water bodies.
This year's Durga Puja began on September 28 with Maha Shashthi, followed by Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, and Maha Nabami celebrated on September 29, 30, and October 1, respectively. The Hindu community marked Mahalaya on September 21, symbolically inviting Goddess Durga to her maternal home on earth from Mount Kailash, along with her children.
As per traditional beliefs, this year the goddess arrived on an elephant, seen as a symbol of prosperity and a good harvest.
Durga Puja is celebrated in temples and pandals nationwide, where life-sized clay idols of the goddess slaying the demon Mahishasura have been installed. Artisans devoted weeks to meticulously creating these idols, showcasing traditional craftsmanship and religious artistry.
In Dhaka, prominent puja venues like Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramakrishna Math and Mission, and others are adorned with lights, decorations, and thematic displays. Shopping centers and malls experienced a festive rush recently as people prepared for the celebrations.
According to Basudeb Dhar, President of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, there is an increase in the number of puja mandaps this year, totaling 33,355 across the country, with 258 in Dhaka city alone. The interim government has allocated Tk 5 crore to support the Durga Puja celebrations this year.
To ensure safety and smooth celebrations, tight security measures have been implemented, with law enforcement agencies and local volunteers working together. A central control room at Dhakeshwari Temple, coordinated by the Mohanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee, is monitoring security arrangements and coordination efforts.