Rajshahi:The main rituals of the Shardiya Durga Puja, a significant religious festival for Sanatan Dharma followers, have commenced in Rajshahi. The festival began with the Bodhan, invitation, and Adhibas of Devi Durga on Maha Shashti.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the rituals started in temples across the region, involving the invocation to awaken the Goddess from her sleep and the performance of various worship ceremonies. In numerous mandaps in Rajshahi, Goddess Durga is being welcomed with the Shodashopachara, which includes sixteen traditional rituals. The main puja events have begun with Shashthyadi Kalparambha and Bihita Puja practices.
This year, Durga Puja is being celebrated in 489 mandaps throughout the district, with 85 located in the Rajshahi metropolis. From early morning, rituals such as Bodhan, Amantran, and Adhibas have been conducted in the mandaps, drawing devotees dressed in colorful attire and enlivening the premises.
A significant attraction this year is the 45-foot-tall Durga idol created by the city's 'Tiger Sangha,' sparking widespread discussion and interest on social media. This special idol, marking the Sangha's 45th anniversary, features a 45-foot-tall figure of Goddess Durga, with her accompanying deities represented in their usual sizes. This remarkable and visually striking idol has captivated many visitors.
Partha Pal Chowdhury, General Secretary of Tiger Sangha, expressed that Rajshahi is a city of harmony where people of all religions respect each other's festivals. He emphasized that no untoward incidents have occurred during religious festivals in the past, and the current Durga Puja is expected to proceed in a joyful atmosphere.
The festival's formalities traditionally extend for five days, from Maha Shashti to Vijaya Dashami. However, due to the Saptami tithi spanning two days this year, the festival duration has increased to six days, with the concluding event, Vijaya Dashami, scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, featuring the immersion of the "Durga" idols.
To ensure a safe and uninterrupted celebration, the administration has implemented additional security measures. Police and Ansar members have been deployed across various puja mandaps in the metropolis and the district, with ongoing security operations to maintain law and order during the festivities.