Dhaka:Maha Ashtami, the third day of the six-day Sharadiya Durga Puja festival, is being observed across the country with religious fervor and festivity. The day began with Maha Ashtami Kalparambha and Bihit Puja at various temples, including the Dhakeshwari National Temple. Devotees offered anjali, received charanamrito, and partook in Maha Prasad.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sandhi Puja took place from 755 am to 843 am, marking the transition between Ashtami and Navami. This ritual celebrates the mythological moment when Goddess Durga transformed into Chamunda to defeat the demon brothers Chanda and Munda.
Kumari Puja, a traditional ritual where a young girl is revered as the embodiment of Goddess Durga, was conducted at several temples. In the capital, it occurred at Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission Dhaka at 930 am. During the ceremony, devotees offered water, clothes, flowers, and ornaments to the Kumari.
The festive atmosphere is enhanced by vibrant decorations, traditional music, and bustling puja mandaps. The Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad reports that 33,851 puja mandaps have been established nationwide, with 258 in the capital, an increase of nearly 1,500 from last year.
Major celebrations in the capital include the Gulshan-Banani Puja Foundation's elaborate event at Kamal Ataturk Park and attractions at Kalabagan ground and Khamarbari. Tomorrow, Maha Navami will be observed with enthusiasm, concluding with worship rituals and bhog offerings.
Bijaya Dashami on Wednesday will see the farewell to Goddess Durga, as idols are immersed in water bodies. In Dhaka, significant celebrations are taking place in areas such as Tantibazar and Shakharibazar, as well as popular sites like Ramna Kali Mandir and Dhaka University's Jagannath Hall.