Maha Saptami, the second day of the five-day Durga Puja of the Hindu community, was celebrated with much enthusiasm and religious fervor at temples across the country on ThursdayMaha Saptami is the seventh day of Devi Pakhsha, which began with Mahalaya on September 28, heralding the arrival of goddess Durga, reports BSS.
Recitation of verses from the Holy Chandi, the blowing of conch shells and beating of dhak-dhols at temples and pandals will continue till immersion of idols of goddess Durga on October 8.
The five-day Durga Puja began on Friday with the incarnation (Bodhon) of the goddess Durga on the day of Maha Shashti.
Maha Ashtami, Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja will be held today, Maha Nabami Puja tomorrow, and Bijoya Dashami on Tuesday.
A Hundu priest condcting the religious sermons of Maha Saptami in puja mandap in Dhakeshwari Mandir premises in Dhaka on Saturday, October 5, 2019 Focus Bangla
The biggest religious festival of the Hindus will come to an end with the immersion of the idols of the goddess Durga in rivers and water bodies across the country on Bijoya Dashami, October 8.
Devotees of all ages are marking the festival in a festive mood, while adequate security measures have been taken at puja pandals across the country.
Draped in new dresses, a large numbers of devotees of all ages thronged puja pandals in Dhaka, particularly Dhakeshwari National Temple, and offered prayers before the goddess Durga seeking peace, prosperity and welfare of the country and its people.
According to the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad (BPUP), Durga Puja is being celebrated at 31,398 permanent and temporary puja mandaps across the country this year.
Hindu devoties taking the blessing of Goddess Durga after the religious sermons have been conducted at Dhakeswari temple premises in Dhaka on Saturday, October 5, 2019 Focus Bangla
In Dhaka, the largest crowds of devotees were seen at Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramkrishna Mission and Math, Kalabagan, Banani, Shakhari Bazar and Dhaka University Jagannath Hall puja mandaps.
Security has been beefed up at all Puja pandals throughout the country, including the capital, with the deployment of additional squads of Ansar, police, RAB and other law enforcement agencies, to ensure peaceful celebration of the festival. Besides, voluntary groups will also perform duties at the puja pandals.
Hindu devoties taking the blessing of Goddess Durga after the religious sermons have been conducted at the puja mandap at Jagannath hall premises in Dhaka on Saturday, October 5, 2019 Focus BanglaClosed circuit television cameras (CCTVs), archways and metal detectors have been installed at all puja mandaps across the country. Law enforcers including intelligence personnel remain alert to thwart the trouble-makers during the Puja celebrations.
Besides, voluntary groups are also performing duties at the puja pandals.
Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee this year decided that the immersion of idols of Durga Puja would be done by 10 pm on the day of Bijoya Dashami across the country.
