The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

On the third day of five-day long Durga puja, the greatest religious festival of the Hindu communities, the devotees will celebrate the Mahaastomi Puja today marking Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishashur.

The victory of Goddess Durga, daughter of the majestic Himalayas, over the devil symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

On the second day of Durga Puja yesterday, thousands of devotees attended the different temples to receive Durga and her children Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik and Ganesh.

Hindus believe the goddess descend on earth at the invocation and supplication of the devotees through Bodhon rituals during the Mahashashthi puja.

Durga is welcomed with much fanfare amidst the beats of Dhak. Unveiling the face of the idol is the main ritual on this day. Kalaparambho, the ritual performed before the commencement of the puja preceded Bodhon, Amontron and Adhibas.

On Mahasaptami today, the devotees will recite hymns and offer flowers seeking blessings from Durga the Durgatinashini -- saviour of humankind from all evils.

According to the lunar schedule, Mahasaptami puja will start by 9:00 am today.

Around 22,000 mandaps have already been set up across the country including 165 in Dhaka. Last year the number of mandaps (Worship pavilion) was 20,000.

Bakshibazar, Shankharibazar, Tantibazar, Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University, Ramna Kali Mandir, Dhakeswari Mandir, Thataribazar, Ramkrishna Mission, Pranab Math, Siddeswari Kali Mandir, Dayaganj, Rayerbazar, Rajarbagh, Rishipara were a few of the prominent Puha mandaps that have been given a decorative look with colourful designs and lights.

Meanwhile, extra law enforcers have been deployed around the puja venues to ensure security and to avoid any unpleasant situations during the Durga puja festivities.

General Moeen-U-Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff, Major Gen (Retd) CR Dutta Bir Uttam, Adviser of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad (BPUP), Rakhal Chandra Shaha visited a temple at Banani playground in the evening.

DPUP leaders demanded that the government ensure equal rights of people of all faiths, giving Durga puja state status, four-day vacation on this occasion and celebrating Janmashtami of Sri Krishna at state level.

AL presidium Member Abdur Razzak visited the Ram Shita Mandir at Tikatuli in the capital in yesterday morning.