Maha Ashtami of Durga Puja being observed today

Maha Ashtami, the most significant day of Sharadiya Durga Puja, is being observed today with traditional religious fervour. The day features Kumari Puja in the morning and Sandhi Puja in the evening.

As every year, thousands of devotees gathered at Ramakrishna Mission and Math in Dhaka to participate in the rituals. Mission authorities said Maha Ashtami Puja began at 6:10am, Pushpanjali at 10:30am, and Kumari Puja between 11am and 1pm. Midday Prasad was served at 12pm, while Sandhi Puja will take place from 6:13pm to 7:01pm.

According to Hindu scriptures, the goddess is worshipped through unmarried girls aged between one and sixteen, as they embody the divine feminine power. Sri Ramakrishna taught that the motherly form is most evident in a Kumari, and the ritual honours that strength.

Assistant secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Uttam Maharaj said, “Kumari Puja is a way to revere women as a symbol of motherly power. Our scriptures say every woman carries divine energy. That is why we hold this worship each Maha Ashtami.”

Special security arrangements have been made by police, RAB, Ansar, and Fire Service to ensure peaceful celebrations.

The origins of the ritual are traced to the slaying of demon Kolasur, when the goddess appeared in the form of a young girl and defeated him. Since then, Kumari Puja has been observed on Maha Ashtami. Scriptures state that caste or community is not a barrier for Kumari Puja, though the traditional practice involves worshipping a Brahmin girl.