The Hindu community will celebrate Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja, across the country on Sunday with traditional religious fervour and devotion.
Temples and households are preparing for the occasion with special prayers to Goddess Kali, decorative lighting, earthen lamps, devotional music and religious rituals.
Also known as Deepabali or the festival of lights, Kali Puja is observed on the new moon night (Amavasya) of the Bengali month of Kartik. The festival honours Goddess Kali, regarded as the embodiment of divine power, strength and wisdom, and the destroyer of evil.
As part of the celebrations, devotees will light earthen lamps and candles at homes, temples and crematoriums in remembrance of their ancestors.
In Dhaka, elaborate preparations have been made at several temples, including Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramkrishna Math and Mission, Siddheshwari Kali Mandir, Ramna Kali Mandir, Sri Sri Baradeshwari Kalimata Temple, Radha Gobinda Jeo Temple, Biharilal Jeo Temple in Sutrapur, Gautam Mandir, Ramseeta Mandir and temples in Shakharibazar, Tanti Bazar and Bangla Bazar. Celebrations are also planned at Postogola Crematorium.
According to the puja schedule, worship of Goddess Kali will begin around midnight at different temples, followed by the offering of anjali, hom-joggo and distribution of mahaprasad among devotees.
In Hindu mythology, Goddess Kali is a fierce manifestation of Goddess Durga who emerged to fight evil forces. According to legend, after a fierce battle with demons, Kali became so consumed by rage that Lord Shiva had to lie beneath her feet to stop her. Realising she had stepped on her consort, she stuck out her tongue in astonishment, bringing her rampage to an end.
The festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the destruction of negative forces in the world and within human beings.
The largest celebrations in the capital traditionally take place in Shakhari Bazar and Tanti Bazar in Old Dhaka. A festive atmosphere has already taken hold in the two neighbourhoods, with makeshift pandals set up and temples decorated with colourful lights and ornamental designs.
Festival-related business is also picking up in Old Dhaka, as devotees and families visit markets to buy candles, earthen lamps, and other ritual items.