Rajshahi, Oct 09 (V7N) – The streets of Rajshahi are alive with the vibrant colors and sounds of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival for the Sanatan (Hindu) community. The celebration commenced today, Wednesday, with the worship of Mahashasthi, marking the beginning of the five-day-long festival that will conclude on Bijaya Dashami, Sunday, October 13.

The city and its villages are abuzz with the music of traditional drums, the sound of conch shells, and the fragrant smoke of incense. Colorful decorations adorn every street corner, and temples are crowded with devotees, eagerly partaking in rituals. On Tuesday evening, the idol of Goddess Durga was ceremonially installed in various mandaps (pavilions) across the city, marking the official start of the festival.

As per the traditional Sanatana calendar, this year, Goddess Durga is believed to have arrived from Kailash on a palanquin, which is said to foretell an increase in natural disasters and plagues. On Vijaya Dashami, the Goddess will return to Kailash on the back of an elephant, a sign of prosperity and a bountiful harvest for the coming year.

The first day of the festival began this morning with the completion of Shasthi Puja, including the sacred Kalparambha, Bodhana, and residence rituals. Throughout the day, various pavilions were engaged in Chandipath, the recitation of sacred texts.

The schedule for the following days includes the Mahasapthami Puja at 6:30 AM on Thursday, the Maha Ashtami and Kumari Puja on Friday at 9:30 AM and 11 AM respectively, with Sandhi Puja beginning at 5:30 PM on the same day. Navami Puja will take place at 6:30 AM on Saturday, while the final day, Sunday, will feature Mahadashmi Puja at 6:30 AM, followed by the immersion of the idols in the evening.

Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner (Acting) Sarkar Asim Kumar reported that this year's Durga Puja is being held in 412 mandaps—77 within the city and 335 in the district’s nine upazilas. He assured that tight security measures are in place to ensure a peaceful celebration, stating, "The autumn festival began with great enthusiasm and religious solemnity, and the five-day event will conclude with idol immersion on Bijayadashami."

To ensure safety, the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) has opened a hotline for emergency assistance during the festival (Tel: +8802588801351, Mobile: 01320-063999). The RMP has also directed all police stations to maintain close contact with the respective puja committees. RMP Commissioner Mohammad Abu Sufian stressed that "law and order has been strengthened, and anyone attempting to disrupt communal harmony will face strict consequences."

Dewan Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner and Administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation, stated that the administration, in collaboration with the police, has taken additional security measures. He advised mandap organizers to install CCTV cameras and assured that the administration is monitoring the situation closely. He also confirmed his plans to visit the mandaps and address any issues that may arise.

With these arrangements in place, Rajshahi is set for a joyous and secure Durga Puja, filled with devotion and festivity.

END/RA/AJ