Accra:The five-day Durga Puja festival, the most significant religious event for the Bengali Hindu community, is set to commence tomorrow with Maha Shashti. The celebration will start with the Bodhan ritual, marking the ceremonial awakening and invocation of Goddess Durga.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the main rituals will begin on Maha Saptami, which falls on both Saturday and Sunday as per the Bangla calendar. This day will feature the Nabapatrika ritual, where nine plants symbolizing different forms of the goddess are bathed and worshipped. On Monday, Maha Ashtami will be observed with the Sandhi Puja, marking the transition between Ashtami and Navami. The festival will conclude with Maha Navami and the Bisarjan ritual, where idols are immersed in water bodies.
This year, the government has extended the Durga Puja holiday to three days, aligning it with the weekend to provide a five-day break from October 20 to 24. This decision was welcomed by the Hindu community, as expressed by Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar.
Puja committees and local authorities are busy preparing for the festival, ensuring security and smooth movement for devotees. The government has increased funding for puja mandaps to Taka 5 crore and enhanced security measures with the aid of a mobile application for monitoring. The Home Ministry emphasizes uninterrupted electricity at the venues.
Durga Puja symbolizes the victory of good over evil, commemorating Goddess Durga's triumph over the demon king Mahishasura. The festival is a vital part of Bangladesh's cultural heritage, celebrated with communal harmony and involving diverse religious and cultural programs.