Durga Puja begins at historic Sreemangal temple with Shasthi Puja

The centuries-old Mangalchandi Temple in Sreemangal upazila began its annual Nava Durga Puja festivities on Monday with the observance of Shasthi Puja, marking the start of nine days of worship dedicated to the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga.

The ritual, organised by the Mangalchandi Temple and Sevashram Committee, attracted hundreds of devotees from across the country. The celebration, which predates Bangladesh by centuries, is believed to have been observed at this temple for over 500 years.

According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Durga manifests in nine forms during this period — Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidhatri — each worshipped on a different day.

On the opening day, devotees offered prayers to Goddess Shailputri through chants, offerings, and sacred rituals.

“This is the only temple in Sreemangal where all nine forms of Durga are worshipped,” said Dipali Das, a local devotee. “It’s a deeply cherished tradition that we look forward to every year.”

The temple’s head priest, Dipankar Bhattacharjee, said the rituals would continue each day with devotion and strict adherence to scriptural practices.

“Today we worshipped Durga in the form of Shailputri. Tomorrow, we will honour her as Brahmacharini,” he said.

In addition to the religious rituals, the temple grounds have transformed into a festive hub, with a traditional fair, food stalls, and cultural performances attracting both pilgrims and tourists.

“I am thrilled to witness the Nava Durga Puja here for the first time,” said Bhavna Roy, a visitor from Moulvibazar. “It’s a spiritually enriching experience, and I feel truly blessed.”

Despite the increasing popularity of the festival, organisers say the temple and its surroundings lack proper infrastructure and government recognition.

“We have been holding the Nava Durga Puja here for the past 16 years. But the site still lacks basic facilities,” said Kripesh Karmakar, organising secretary of the Mangalchandi Puja Committee.

Rajan Chakrabarty, general secretary of the committee, pointed out one of the key concerns, “The number of devotees is growing every year, but the road leading to the temple is in poor condition. It needs urgent government attention.”

Committee president Parimal Bhowmik, who has been involved in the festival since its inception, said the temple has long served as a spiritual centre for the community.

“This sacred site has been a place of worship for nearly five centuries. It deserves preservation and national recognition.”

To ensure safety during the nine-day event, local authorities have implemented heightened security measures.

The nationwide Durga Puja celebrations will officially begin on September 28.