Durga Puja in Bangladesh

Durga Puja, also known as Sharodotsav, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in Bangladesh that reveres the goddess Durga. It is particularly significant among the Bengali Hindu community and marks the victory of Durga over the demon king Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Day

Durga Puja spans five days, with the final day coinciding with Vijayadashami or Dussehra. The dates vary each year based on the traditional lunar calendar, typically falling in late September or October.

History

The origins of Durga Puja are ancient, with references to it in early Hindu scriptures. Over centuries, it evolved into a grand public event from private household worship during the British colonial era in Bengal.

Traditions

• Idol Making: Artisans create intricate idols of Goddess Durga, portraying her slaying Mahishasura.
• Pandal Hopping: Devotees visit beautifully decorated pavilions (pandals) which house the idols.
• Puja Rituals: These include Shashti, Saptami, Ashtami, Nabami, and Dashami. Rituals involve prayers, scripture recitations, and offerings to Durga.
• Cultural Programs: Dance, music performances, and recitations form an integral part of celebrations.
• Dhunuchi Naach: A traditional dance performed with earthen pots filled with burning coconut husks and camphor.
• Sindoor Khela: On the last day, married women apply vermilion to each other's faces and pray for a long married life.

What People Do

People dress up in new clothes and participate enthusiastically in festivities. They exchange greetings and sweets with friends and family. Community feasts are common where people enjoy traditional Bengali dishes. On Vijayadashami, devotees immerse the idols of Goddess Durga in rivers or water bodies amidst singing and drumming, bidding farewell until next year.