The official countdown for this year's Durga Puja, the largest religious festival for Hindus,
began on Saturday with Mahalaya celebrations.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's hometown, Gopalganj, is now celebrating the festival, with colourful decorations in the pavilions.
On Saturday, Hindu devotees invoked Goddess Durga with Chandi Path, Mangal Ghat installation, chandi puja, and music.
Durga Puja will begin on Friday, seven days after Mahalaya, with the goddess's arrival on Shashthi. The festival ends with idol immersion on Bijoya Dashami on October 24.
Deepankar Chakraborty, a priest, said: “Mahalaya's main tradition involves offering flowers, tulsi (holy basil), and bael leaves as part of the worship to invoke the great power, the destroyer of obstacles, Goddess Durga, to come to the world. Later, devotional songs and invocations are performed. Prayers for prosperity, peace, and well-being are offered to the goddess. The main ritual of the puja will commence on Friday.”
On the other side, preparations are underway in the puja mandap (place of worship) to adorn the festival.
Tushar Kanti Biswas, a puja organizer of the New Model Club in Gopalganj, said: "Last-minute preparations are going on now. All the work related to the goddess idol has been completed. Pandal decoration, lighting, pandal construction and all other works are being completed quickly. On Friday, the worship of Goddess Durga will begin by reciting the scriptures, chanting mantras, playing drums and conch shells. Devotees will pay homage at the feet of the goddess in the hope of getting the grace of the goddess. Durga Puja is being organized here with respect, and devotion as well as a festive atmosphere.”
Gopalganj District Puja Udjapan Parishad General Secretary, Manindra Nath Barai Moni, said: “The district administration and district police have separately conducted preparatory meetings with us regarding the puja. A harmony rally has been organized, and instructions have been provided during these meetings to ensure a peaceful puja. As a result, the puja will be celebrated in a joyful atmosphere. Since the start of Devi Paksha, a festive spirit has prevailed here.”
Gopalganj Deputy Commissioner, Kazi Mahbubul Alam, said: “A record number of pujas, 1,301 in total, are set to take place in the district. We anticipate a peaceful celebration with the cooperation of all.”
