Because of a rare tithi, or lunar day, in the almanac, Maha Saptami of the autumn Durga Puja festival is being observed for a second day in a row this year. With the Saptami tithi lasting 24 hours instead of 16, worship of the goddess is under way at puja pavilions in Faridpur as elsewhere in the country. Durga Puja is being held at 781 temples in Faridpur district this year. The festival has brought joy and a festive mood to the Hindu community.
The rituals of Maha Saptami began on Sunday morning (18 October) with the bathing of the kola bou, or nabapatrika.
The installation of the nabapatrika, worship and devotees’ flower offerings then filled puja pavilions across the district. Amid the beat of dhak drums and the sound of conch shells, devotees made offerings at the feet of the goddess and prayed for the destruction of evil and for peace and harmony. They also prayed for the happiness and prosperity of the country, the nation and their families.
Alongside the religious rituals, visitors of all ages are crowding the pavilions, sharing the joy of the festival with family and loved ones.
Extensive security measures are in place at pavilions across the district so the festival passes off smoothly and peacefully. Besides the work of law enforcement agencies, CCTV cameras have been installed at the pavilions. Volunteers are on duty alongside law enforcement members to prevent any disorder, and officials are keeping overall security under watch.
Sujit Kirtania, who came to offer prayers at the Moyna Baroari temple in Boalmari upazila of Faridpur, said: “Durga Puja is not limited to religious rites; it is a symbol of the destruction of evil and the awakening of good. I pray to Mother Durga that hatred and malice leave society and that humanity, love and brotherhood awaken in people. Religion is each person’s own, but the joy of the festival belongs to all. In that spirit we want to celebrate Durga Puja together, peacefully.”
Mridul Roy, who came to the same temple, said: “Durga Puja is one of the main religious festivals of the Hindu community. Through this puja we seek Mother Durga’s blessings and pray for the good of our families, society and the country. Because of the rare tithi, the chance to observe Maha Saptami for a second day in a row has brought devotees extra joy. May the joy of the puja spread to everyone, and may peace, harmony and goodwill prevail across the country. That is our hope.”
Durga Puja is being celebrated in Faridpur with religious solemnity, festive joy and security arrangements. Devotees and visitors hope the puja will be celebrated in a peaceful atmosphere and that communal harmony will be maintained.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report