The five-day Sharadiya Durga Puja, the Hindu community’s main religious festival, began Friday at 324 mandaps in Cox’s Bazar with Maha Shashthi, drawing devotees to temples and puja venues across the district.
The rituals began in the evening with the traditional Bodhon, Amontron and Adhibash ceremonies. Maha Saptami will be observed today, Saturday.
According to the Cox’s Bazar District Puja Celebration Council, 324 mandaps across the district are hosting Durga Puja this year. Of these, 154 host idol worship, while 170 hold Ghat Puja, in which a sacred pot represents the deity.
Devotees began gathering at different mandaps on Friday evening as religious ceremonies began. Preparations are continuing at the venues for the rituals scheduled over the coming days.
According to the festival schedule, devotees will observe Maha Ashtami and Kumari Puja on Monday, October 19, followed by Maha Navami on Tuesday, October 20. The festival will conclude on Wednesday, October 21, with Bijoya Dashami and the immersion of Durga idols.
According to Hindu belief, Goddess Durga visits her parental home on Earth from her husband’s abode on Mount Kailash. Hindu scriptures describe her arrival as the defeat of demonic forces and the establishment of righteousness. Durga Puja is therefore regarded as a symbol of good’s triumph over evil and the establishment of welfare.
This year, the goddess is believed to arrive on horseback and depart by boat. Hindu scriptural traditions attach various interpretations to the means of transport associated with her arrival and departure.
The main religious ceremonies will continue with Maha Saptami today, and the festival will conclude with idol immersion on Bijoya Dashami next Wednesday.
Cox’s Bazar Report
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
