The sound of drums, ululation, conch shells and temple bells filled Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka as worshippers gathered to welcome the Goddess Durga. With the Shashthi ceremony, the main formalities of Durga Puja, the largest annual festival of Bengali Hindus, officially began. Hindu custom holds that Durga Puja is marked in three stages -- Mahalaya, Bodhon, and Sandhipuja. This year’s Durga Puja countdown began on Sept 21 with Mahalaya, which also marks the start of the festival’s rituals. Durga Puja is being celebrated at 259 temples and pavilions in Dhaka city, seven more than last year.

Source: bd News24 September 28, 2025 06:38 UTC