Dhaka, Oct 10 (V7N) — The grand Autumn Durga Puja, the most significant festival for the followers of Sanatan Dharma, has commenced with devotion and grandeur. The festivities began with Chandipath, Bodhan, and the invocation of the goddess, as devotees welcomed Goddess Durga on Mahishasuramardini during Mahasashthi on Wednesday (October 9).

Today, Thursday (October 10), marks Mahasaptami, when the Navapatrika entry and Saptamivihit Puja will be performed. Devotees are fasting and preparing for Anjali, offering their prayers to the goddess.

In observance of Durga Puja, the Ministry of Public Administration has declared today a general holiday, creating a four-day break for many, from Thursday until Sunday (October 13), including the puja holidays and the weekend.

The sixth day of Durga Puja, Mahasashthi, began yesterday with devotees invoking the goddess beneath the Bilva tree, symbolically awakening Goddess Durga, known as Trinayani, who is believed to observe the world with her three eyes.

This morning, on Mahasaptami, the ritual of prana pratishtha was performed, infusing life into the idol of Trinayani Devi through the sacred act of eye consecration. At 7:55 AM, the goddess was welcomed through Navapatrika entry and Saptami Vihit Puja. Pilgrims gathered in large numbers to offer Anjali and their prayers.

Tonight, the goddess will be worshipped through ardha ratri puja (midnight worship), using the flowers, fruits, and leaves of 16 sacred trees, purifying the goddess of all worldly impurities. According to scriptures, Mahasaptami is the day when Goddess Durga leaves the celestial realm and moves closer to her devotees, ready to accept their worship and offerings.

The festive spirit is palpable across the nation, as devotees continue to celebrate Durga Puja with devotion and joy, ushering in prosperity and blessings from the divine goddess.

END/MSS/AJ