Dhaka:Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja, was celebrated across the country tonight with traditional religious fervor, devotion, and enthusiasm.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the festival, popularly known as Deepabali or the festival of lights, is observed on the new moon night (Amavasya) of the Bengali month of Kartik. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali, who is regarded as the embodiment of divine power, strength, wisdom, and the destruction of evil.
As part of the celebration, devotees illuminated their homes, temples, and crematoriums with earthen lamps and candles in remembrance of their ancestors. In the capital, the festival was celebrated at various temples, including Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramkrishna Math and Mission, and Siddheshwari Kali Mandir, among others.
The puja schedule indicated that the worship of Goddess Kali was held before midnight at different temples, followed by offerings of anjali, 'hom-joggo,' and distribution of mahaprasad among the devotees. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Kali is a fierce manifestation of Goddess Durga, emerging to fight the forces of evil. Her legendary battle with demonic forces was so intense that Lord Shiva had to lie beneath her feet to bring her destructive rage to an end.
The key message of Kali Puja is the triumph of good over evil and the destruction of negative forces both externally and internally within human beings. The largest celebrations in the capital traditionally occur in Shakhari Bazar and Tanti Bazar in Old Dhaka, as well as Savar, where the festival is observed for three to four days.
A festive atmosphere prevailed at temples and makeshift mandaps nationwide, with pandals illuminated and decorated colorfully. Divisional cities, including Chattogram, and district towns like Jashore, also witnessed significant celebrations of Kali Puja.