Dhaka:The Hindu community in Bangladesh is observing Maha Saptami today, marking the second day of the six-day Sharodiyo Durgotsab. This year, the tithi (lunar day) of Maha Saptami extends over two days, with celebrations continuing into tomorrow.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the day began with the Nabapatrika ritual, where nine plants symbolizing various forms of Goddess Durga are ceremonially bathed and worshipped. Devotees are participating in anjali offerings following the Saptami puja at temples nationwide.
The festival commenced earlier with Maha Shashthi, celebrated on Friday with the Bodhan ritual, which involves the ceremonial awakening and invocation of Goddess Durga. The Dhakeshwari National Temple has become a central location for festivities in the capital, hosting various religious rituals, including Kalparambha and Bihit Puja.
The Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee General Secretary, Suvasish Kumar Biswas Sadhan, noted that the festival began with Maha Shashthi puja, followed by devotional offerings and prasad distribution. Additionally, clothes were distributed to underprivileged individuals as part of the celebrations.
In line with traditional beliefs, Goddess Durga is said to arrive this year on a horse, symbolizing dry spells and heavy rainfall, and will depart on a boat, signifying a prosperous harvest. Across the country, 33,851 puja mandaps have been established, including 258 in the capital, an increase of nearly 1,500 from last year.
The Gulshan-Banani Puja Foundation is hosting an elaborate celebration at Kemal Ataturk Park in Banani, themed 'Jalaja', inspired by water as a source of life and divine power. The mandap features an aquatic-inspired design to engage visitors with traditional crafts and decorative elements.
Maha Ashtami is set to be observed on Monday, featuring the Kumari Puja, where an unmarried girl is worshipped as the embodiment of the divine feminine. Sandhi Puja will also occur, marking the moment when Goddess Durga took the form of Chamunda to defeat demons Chanda and Munda.
Maha Navami will be celebrated on Tuesday with devotees gathering to offer rituals and bhog, and Maha Dashami on Wednesday will mark the farewell to Goddess Durga with idol immersion processions.
The government has extended the Durga Puja holiday to three days, providing a five-day break when combined with the weekend. Basudeb Dhar, President of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for this extension.
Durga Puja is a significant religious and cultural event for Bangladesh's Hindu community, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, as Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura. The festival also highlights Bangladesh's cultural heritage and communal harmony.
The government increased the budget for Durga Puja mandaps to Tk 5 crore and raised the rice allocation to 600 kg per mandap. Security measures are in place nationwide, and authorities will use a mobile application to monitor the festival. The Home Ministry has ensured uninterrupted power supply to puja venues, with backup plans in place for emergencies.