Khulna: Maha Navami, marking the fourth day of the Sharadiya Durga Puja, was celebrated across Khulna city and district with traditional rituals and devotion at temples and makeshift mandaps.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, devotees participated in puja, anjali, and symbolic sacrifices involving pumpkins, bananas, and cucumbers to honor Goddess Durga. This year, the celebrations took place at 981 mandaps, including 120 within Khulna city, under strict security to ensure peaceful festivities.
In the morning, large crowds gathered at temples and mandaps to partake in the Maha Navami puja, considered one of the most spiritually significant days of the five-day Durga Puja festival. As the festivities neared conclusion, temples saw the highest turnout of worshippers and visitors.
A key feature of the day was the Dhunuchi Naach, a traditional dance performed with earthen pots containing burning incense and charcoal. The rhythmic beats of traditional drums, mantras, and the sound of conch shells contributed to the spiritual atmosphere.
On this day, Goddess Durga is venerated as Mahisasuramardini, the vanquisher of the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Navami rituals included mantra recitations and offerings of fruits, sweets, incense, and lamps. In some temples, animal sacrifices were part of the customary offerings.
Mandaps and temples throughout Khulna were decorated and illuminated, with themed pandals reflecting various life aspects, mythology, and religious stories. Recitations from the Sri Sri Chandi and other devotional songs and rituals have been ongoing since Friday and will continue until the idol immersion on Bijaya Dashami.
On the festival’s final day, morning puja and Darpan Bisarjan will occur before the ceremonial immersion of the idols. Notable puja mandaps in Khulna city include Sonapotti Borobazar, Arya Dharmashava, Sree Sree Shitalabari, and Shibbari areas.
Senior officials and leaders from political parties and professional bodies, such as the Divisional Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, KMP Commissioner, and DIG of Khulna Range, visited several mandaps today to extend greetings and oversee the festive arrangements.