Khulna: Maha Ashtami, the third day of the five-day Sharadiya Durga Puja, has been celebrated today at various temples across Khulna. Since the morning, devotees gathered to perform puja and distribute prashad among attendees at different temples and makeshift Puja pandals.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the city's Sree Sree Shitalabari Puja mandaps in the Dolkhola area witnessed hundreds of devotees participating in the rituals. The puja was followed by anjali in the morning. Sandhi Puja began at 11:00 am and concluded by midday at all puja mandaps in Khulna.
Additionally, the Sanatan community celebrated Kumari Puja on 'Maha Ashtami', worshipping goddess Durga in the form of a 'Kumari'-a pure-hearted girl and the virgin form of the deity. Devotees flocked to the Nabatorun Sangha puja mandap at Glaxor Mor, offering water, clothes, flowers, and gold and silver ornaments at the feet of the 'Kumari'. People of all ages, particularly young girls and women in traditional attire, participated enthusiastically in the Kumari Puja.
City unit Puja Udjapan Parishad general secretary Prashanda Kundu mentioned that goddess Durga has been worshipped in various forms, including Kumari, since time immemorial. The Durga Puja has brought vibrant colors to the city, with temples and mandaps illuminated and decorated, showcasing different themes that signify aspects of life and religious stories.
Meanwhile, Khulna Divisional Commissioner and Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Md Firoz Sarkar, Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner (KMP) Zulfiqar Ali Haider, and Superintendent of district police T M Mossarraf Hossain visited different puja mandaps. Additionally, political figures such as General Secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Prof Mia Golam Parwar, Student Affairs Secretary of BNP Rakibul Islam Bakul, Information Affairs Secretary Azizul Bari Helal, and parliament member aspirants from various parties also visited the mandaps in their respective areas to extend their greetings.