Dhaka:The Sharadiya Durga Puja, a significant religious festival for the Bengali Hindu community, began today with the invocation of the Goddess. Various rituals, including Kalparambha and Bihit Puja, were conducted at the Dhakeshwari National Temple as part of the six-day event, which will continue until October 21.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee's general secretary, Suvasish Kumar Biswas Sadhan, stated that the festival commenced this morning with the Maha Shashthi puja, followed by Anjali offerings and the distribution of prasad to devotees. Clothes were also distributed to underprivileged individuals on this occasion.
This year, the arrival of Goddess Durga on a horse symbolizes potential dry spells and instability ahead, while her departure on a boat signifies agricultural prosperity. Across the country, 33,851 mandaps, including 258 in the capital, are hosting the puja, marking an increase of nearly 1,500 mandaps compared to last year, as reported by the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad.
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended greetings to the Hindu community on this auspicious occasion. On Maha Shashthi, devotees performed Bodhan, marking the formal start of the festivities. The main rituals are set to begin on Maha Saptami, with celebrations continuing over the weekend.
In Dhaka, the Dhakeshwari temple served as the focal point for the festivities, while the Gulshan-Banan Puja Foundation hosted a grand celebration at Kemal Ataturk Park in Banani. The theme, Jalaja, highlights water's significance as a source of life and divine power, featuring an aquatic-inspired mandap design with traditional crafts, lighting, and decorative elements.
Other attractions in the capital include makeshift pandals at Kalabagan ground and Khamarbari, drawing numerous visitors with their impressive setups and lighting. On Maha Saptami, the Nabapatrika ritual will be performed, followed by anjali offerings. Maha Ashtami will feature Kumari Puja, and the evening will see Sandhi Puja, commemorating Goddess Durga's transformation into Chamunda.
Maha Navami and Moha Nobomi will be observed with fervor, with devotees offering various items at the deity's feet. The festival will conclude with Moha Dashami, where idols are immersed in water bodies, marking the farewell to Goddess Durga.
This year, the government has extended the Durga Puja holiday to three days, providing a five-day break, including the weekend, due to demands from the Hindu community. The Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for this extension.
Durga Puja holds profound religious and cultural significance, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, as depicted in the mythology of Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. The festival fosters communal harmony and is a vital part of Bangladesh's cultural heritage.
The government has increased funding for Durga Puja mandaps and rice allocation per mandap. Security measures are in place, including the use of a mobile application for monitoring and ensuring a peaceful celebration. The Home Ministry has also directed uninterrupted electricity supply at puja venues, with backup generators and lights prepared for contingencies.