The biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, Sharadiya Durga Puja, formally begins today (Sunday) with Maha Shashthi, following Saturday's Bodhon rituals.
The festive atmosphere has already spread across the country including the capital as temples and pandals are decorated with colorful lights, fabric, and artistic displays.
Major temples and puja mandaps in Dhaka, including Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramna Kali Mandir, Ramakrishna Mission, Banani Puja Mandap, and those in Old Dhaka have completed preparations, with idols of Goddess Durga and her companions installed by Friday night.
Durga Puja, a celebration of the victory of good over evil, is once again being marked with devotion, colour, and hope for communal harmony across Bangladesh.
Devotees are eagerly waiting the five days of celebrations to be concluded on October 2.
On the occasion, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus greeted all Hindu citizens of the country on the occasion of Durga Puja.
"On the occasion of Durga Puja, the main religious festival of the Hindu community, I extend my heartiest greetings to all the Hindu citizens of the country," he said in a message on the eve of the festival.
Dr Yunus said destruction of evil forces and adoration of truth and beauty are the main features of the Sharadiyo Durgotsab.
Noting that Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, he said, "This country belongs to all of us. This country is a safe abode for all people irrespective of caste and religion."
"To successfully implement the progress we have begun through the July mass uprising to build a prosperous country free from discrimination and corruption, everyone must work together, forgetting religious and caste differences," Prof Yunus said.
According to the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Durga Puja is being celebrated at 33,355 mandaps across the country, up from 31,461 last year.
In Dhaka city, there are 259 puja mandaps, seven more than last year.
Community leaders, teachers, and students expressed hope that the festival will be celebrated in peace and harmony.
Law enforcement agencies have taken extensive measures to ensure peaceful celebrations.
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has deployed 94 patrol teams in Dhaka and 281 teams nationwide, strengthening intelligence surveillance and coordination with local committees.
BGB has deployed 430 platoons across the country to secure 2,857 puja mandaps, including 1,411 in border areas.
According to the Puja Schedule, the Maha Shashthi will be observed on Sunday, while Maha Saptami on September 29 (Monday); Maha Ashtami on September 30 (Tuesday); Maha Navami on October 1 (Wednesday) and Bijoya Dashami and immersion processions nationwide at 3 PM on October 2 (Thursday).
