Dhaka:The countdown to Durga Puja, the largest religious festival for Bangladesh's Hindu community, will commence with the celebration of Mahalaya across the country. Various temples, including those in the capital, will host religious and cultural ceremonies to mark this occasion, which signifies the advent of Goddess Durga.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dhakeshwari National Temple is organizing a series of cultural and religious programs at dawn on Mahalaya. The Indian high commissioner in Dhaka is expected to attend the event, as stated by Suvasish Kumar Biswas Sadhan, the general secretary of the Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee. Additionally, Ramna Kali Mandir will also conduct a large-scale Mahalaya celebration, as confirmed by Mintu Basu, a joint secretary of the temple management committee.
Mahalaya marks the end of Pitru Paksha, a period dedicated to honoring ancestors, and the beginning of Devi Paksha, the divine fortnight. Hindus will perform rituals to pay homage to their ancestors, offering robes to Brahmins. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga starts her journey from Kailash to her paternal home on Earth, an event celebrated with the Durga Puja festival.
Sadhan Chakrabarty, the chief priest of Dhaka University Jagannath Hall Upashanalaya, mentioned that this year Goddess Durga will arrive on a horse and depart by a boat on Bijaya Dashami, signifying prosperity and abundant rainfall.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that Durga Puja will be celebrated at 33,851 mandaps nationwide, an increase of nearly 1,500 from last year. Government funding for the mandaps has risen to Tk 5 crore, following directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The government has extended the Durga Puja holiday to three days, resulting in a five-day break, fulfilling a longstanding demand from the Hindu community.
The Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council have expressed gratitude for the holiday extension, emphasizing its significance for the community. Festivities will formally begin on October 16 with Maha Shashthi and conclude on October 21 with Bijaya Dashami, where idols will be immersed in water bodies.
Preparations for the festival are in full swing, with temples and mandaps being decorated and security measures being enhanced to ensure a safe celebration. The festival not only holds religious importance but also reflects Bangladesh's cultural heritage and communal harmony.