Baku:The largest religious festival of the Bengali Hindu community, Durga Puja, will commence across the country on Friday. On this day, known as Maha Shashti, the ceremonial awakening of Goddess Durga, called Bodhan, will take place. The main rituals are set to begin the following day, with Maha Saptami spread over Saturday and Sunday according to the Bangla calendar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Maha Saptami will involve the Nabapatrika ritual, where nine plants representing different forms of the goddess are ceremonially bathed and worshipped. Maha Ashtami, featuring Sandhi Puja, will be celebrated on Monday, marking the transition between Ashtami and Navami. The festival will culminate with Maha Navami and the concluding rituals, followed by the immersion of the idols, known as Bisarjan.
In response to longstanding demands from the Hindu community, the government has extended the Durga Puja holiday to three days, resulting in a total five-day break when combined with the regular weekend. Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar expressed gratitude for the decision.
Preparations are underway across the country, with puja committees, temples, and mandaps finalizing arrangements, including the construction of pandals, installation of idols, and coordination of religious and cultural programs. Authorities are ensuring security and smooth movement of devotees and visitors, as Durga Puja carries deep religious and cultural significance, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
The government has increased funding for puja mandaps to Tk 5 crore and has announced enhanced security measures, including the use of a mobile application by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center to monitor the festivities. Additionally, uninterrupted electricity supply at puja venues is a priority, with backup generators and rechargeable lights on standby. The number of puja mandaps has risen to 33,851 this year, reflecting the festival's growing importance and communal harmony in Bangladesh.