Sharadiya Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, began on Friday with Durga Shasthi, as the beats of dhak and dhol and the clatter of kanshar filled the air.
The festival will bring six days of celebrations to mandaps across the country, culminating in Bijoya Dashami on Wednesday.
According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Durga descends to Earth from her in-laws’ abode in Kailash to visit her parental home. This year, the goddess arrives on a horse and depart by boat.
Scriptural tradition holds that Goddess Durga manifested from the radiant beams of the gods, who united to defeat evil asura forces after being defeated and driven out of heaven.
A total of 33,851 Durga Pujas are being held across Bangladesh this year, up from 32,351 last year. In the Dhaka metropolitan area, 258 pujas are taking place, compared with 261 last year.
This year’s ritual calendar will see Maha Saptami observed over two days, Saturday and Sunday. Maha Ashtami will be celebrated on Monday, followed by Maha Navami on Tuesday.
The festivities will conclude on Wednesday with Bijoya Dashami and Goddess Durga’s immersion, known as Devi Bisarjan. A festive procession will be held across the country, including in Dhaka, at 3pm on Bijoya Dashami.
