Sharadiya Durgotsav begins nationwide with Mahashashti today

Sharadiya Durgotsav, the largest religious festival for the Hindu community in Bangladesh, officially began today with Mahashashti rituals across the country.

The festivities commenced with Kalparambha, Amantran, and Adhibas pujas, accompanied by traditional sounds of dhak, conch shells, and uludhwani.

According to scriptures, Goddess Durga arrives on Mahasaptami and departs on Vijaya Dashami.

At the Dhakeshwari National Temple, the central site for the celebrations in Dhaka, the idols of Durga and her companions—Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesh—have been installed with elaborate decorations. The temple and surrounding areas are illuminated with lights and decorative structures.

Security has been heightened across the capital, with a central control room set up by the Puja Committee. Similar arrangements are in place at major puja venues, including Gulshan-Banani, Ramakrishna Mission, Ramna Kali Mondir, Shankhari Bazar, and Mirpur.

According to Basudeb Dhar, president of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad, Durga Puja is being held at 33,355 mondops nationwide—1,894 more than last year. In Dhaka, the number stands at 259.

The government has provided Tk 5 crore in grants for the celebrations. Law enforcement agencies including Police, RAB, Ansar, and volunteers are deployed to ensure security.

Tomorrow, Maha Saptami rituals will be observed, followed by Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijaya Dashami over the next three days. The festival will conclude with Devi Boron and idol immersion on Thursday.