Dhaka:Sharadiya Durga Puja, the largest religious festival for the Bengali Hindu community, commenced with the rituals of Kalparambha and Bihita Puja on Maha Shashthi at the Dhakeshwari National Temple. These ceremonies mark the beginning of the festival, which will continue until October 21, as explained by Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee General Secretary Suvasish Kumar Biswas Sadhan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Maha Shashthi involved the ceremonial awakening of Goddess Durga, officially starting the festivities. The main rituals are set to begin on Maha Saptami, with the Nabapatrika ceremony where nine plants representing the goddess's different forms are bathed and worshipped. Maha Ashtami will feature Sandhi Puja, and Maha Navami will conclude the major worship rituals before the idols are immersed in water bodies.
This year, the government has extended the Durga Puja holiday to three days, resulting in a five-day break when combined with the weekend. The decision has been warmly received by the Hindu community, with Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar expressing gratitude to the prime minister.
Preparations for the festival are in full swing across the country, with the construction and decoration of pandals, installation of idols, and planning of religious and cultural programs underway. Authorities are focusing on ensuring security and smooth operations throughout the celebrations.
The festival commemorates Goddess Durga's victory over the demon king Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It is a significant cultural event, fostering communal harmony in Bangladesh. This year, government funding for mandaps has increased, and security measures have been enhanced, including the use of a mobile app by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center for efficient monitoring. Mandap organisers are advised to maintain backup power supplies to ensure uninterrupted celebrations.