Manila:Durga Puja, the most significant religious festival for the Hindu community, begins on Friday with the observance of Maha Shasthi. The festival will be celebrated at 33,165 mandaps throughout the country, where devotees of all ages will gather to offer prayers to Goddess Durga, seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, and the welfare of the nation and its people.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the main rituals will continue until Bijoya Dashami on October 21, which marks the farewell to the goddess and concludes with the immersion of idols. This year's celebration includes Maha Saptami Puja, which will take place over two days on October 17 and 18, followed by Maha Ashtami on October 19 and Maha Nabamai on October 20.
Significant security measures have been put in place to ensure peaceful celebrations. A total of 212,118 members of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party have been deployed, with eight members stationed at each high-risk mandap and six at others. Additionally, 104 striking teams are on standby to address any issues swiftly, as stated by Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud.
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is enhancing security at approximately 1,800 mandaps near the country's borders by setting up 18 base camps and increasing patrols. BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui confirmed these arrangements and mentioned that BGB personnel have coordinated with puja committees to ensure safety.
The government has announced a three-day holiday from October 20 to 22 for Durga Puja, leading to a five-day break as October 23 and 24 coincide with the regular weekend holidays.