Minority Hindu community’s ‘Durga Puja’ begin across Bangladesh , hours ahead of the Indian almanac timing

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 16, 2026

Even though their very survival hinges on sufferance of the oppressive majority Muslim community , the minuscule Hindu minorities have launched ‘Durga Puja’ the biggest religious festival of the community across Bangladesh by celebrating ‘Sashthi’ (ritual welcoming of the Mother Goddess through chanting of ‘Mantras’) this morning. According to the almanac followed in Bangladesh the day of ‘Sashthi’ falls today, several hours ahead of Indian timing.

Sources from Bangladesh said that the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, Sharadiya Durga Puja, began on Friday with Maha Shashthi, marking the ceremonial awakening of Goddess Durga.Temples across the capital Dhaka and district headquarters welcomed the goddess with incense, traditional lamps, and the rhythmic beats of drums. Rituals, including ‘Bodhan’ (awakening), ‘Abahan’ (invocation) and ‘Adhibas’ (consecration), were performed at ‘Puja mandaps’ (pandals of worship).

According to Hindu beliefs, Goddess Durga protects devotees from suffering, obstacles, fear, grief and pain. Religious scholars interpret her name as referring to the divine power that helps people overcome suffering. According to traditional beliefs, the goddess tests people's endurance through hardship and relieves their suffering when they turn to her in devotion.The goddess is set to arrive on horseback and depart by boat on ‘Bijoya Dashami’ (last day or farewell ceremony).

The arrival of the goddess is traditionally heralded on ‘Mahalaya’, a week ahead of the first day of the ‘Puja’ on ‘Saptami’ day while ‘Bijoya Dashami’ marks her farewell. The festival concludes with the ‘Maha Arati’, completing the religious rituals.Celebrations will continue every day from ‘Shashthi’ to ‘Dashami’. ‘Maha Saptami’ will be observed on Saturday and Sunday, followed by ‘Maha Ashtami’ on Monday, ‘Maha Navami’ on Tuesday, and ‘Bijoya Dashami’ on Wednesday.

Temples and ‘Puja Mandaps’ (Pandals) across the country have taken on a festive appearance, with decorated idols and illuminated premises. Devotees welcomed the goddess with conch shells, ululations and drumbeats.

The administration and law enforcement agencies have made extensive preparations to ensure peaceful and uninterrupted celebrations.A total of 33,851 puja mandaps have been set up across the country this year, around 1,500 more than last year. In Dhaka city, Durga Puja is being celebrated at 258 temples and mandaps.Government employees are set to enjoy a five-day holiday from October 20 to 24 during the festival.October 20 will be a holiday for Maha Nabami under an executive order, while October 21, Bijoya Dashami, is a public holiday.

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