Dhaka:The preparations for Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Bengali Hindu community, are underway with Maha Shashthi scheduled for October 16. This year, the government has extended the Durga Puja holiday to three days through an executive order, addressing longstanding demands from the Hindu community.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this extension will combine with the regular Friday and Saturday weekend holidays to create a total five-day break from October 20 to 24. Suvasish Kumar Biswas Sadhan, general secretary of the Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee, expressed gratitude for the government's decision, noting that it will allow Hindus to celebrate the festival with enhanced enthusiasm. However, he called for the permanent establishment of a three-day holiday for Durga Puja in future years.
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) has also welcomed the decision, with joint secretary general Manindra Kumar Natha stating that it fulfills a long-standing demand of the minority communities. Across the country, puja committees, temples, and mandaps are busy with preparations, including the construction and decoration of pandals, installation of idols, and arrangements for lighting, religious, and cultural programs.
Authorities and local communities are working to ensure the security and smooth movement of devotees and visitors throughout the celebrations. Durga Puja will formally begin with Maha Shashthi on October 16 and conclude with Bijaya Dashami on October 21, when devotees will perform Bisarjan by immersing the idols in water bodies.
Durga Puja carries deep religious and cultural significance, celebrating the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura. The festival is not only a major religious occasion but also an important part of Bangladesh's cultural heritage, bringing together people from different faiths and reflecting the country's tradition of communal harmony.
Security measures have been enhanced following a high-level coordination meeting on September 30. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced increased government funding and an extended holiday for the festival. Government funding for Durga Puja mandaps has risen to Tk 5 crore, and the number of puja mandaps has increased to 33,851 this year. Authorities will use a mobile application from the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center to strengthen monitoring and ensure a peaceful environment.
The Home Ministry has instructed relevant authorities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supplies at puja venues, with mandap organizers asked to keep generators and rechargeable lights on standby.