DHAKA, BANGLADESH, September 23, 2011 (bdnews24.com): Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindus in Bangladesh (called Navaratri in most of India) will be observed from October 2 to 6 at 196 pavilions or mandapas in the capital, Dhaka, the organizers say.
Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee president Biresh Chandra Saha said the preparation was almost at the final stages. The committee had discussions with the government about the security measures during the Puja and the government assured them of providing maximum security. The committee president said unlike in the previous years no statues have been vandalized so far this time around.
According to Hindu faith, Goddess Durga comes down to the Earth from Heaven to establish peace, harmony by annihilating evil forces. Bengalis celebrate the occasion by getting dressed in new cloths, buying gifts and savoring delicacies. Families go out to the pavilions and revere the Goddess.
The priest of Dhakeshwari Temple, Ratan Chakraborti, told bdnews24.com that the Mahalaya, the day that ushers the countdown to Durga Puja by inviting the Goddess, will be observed on Sept. 27 while the Moha Shashthhi will be observed on October 2. On this day, the Goddess is worshiped with eight materials including flower, gold and silver.