Bangladesh's Bengali Hindu community prepares for Durgotsob, their largest religious celebration beginning Sunday. The five-day festival features ceremonies at temples and temporary structures across the nation. Community members welcomed Goddess Durga from heaven during last week's Mahalaya observance, with beliefs stating she arrives by elephant this year.
Festivities commence September 28 with Maha Shashthi and conclude October 2 during Bijoya Dashami when devotees immerse ceremonial idols. Artisans apply finishing touches to clay sculptures depicting Durga defeating demon Mahishasura. The celebration spans 33,355 locations nationwide, with 258 sites in Dhaka alone.
Government officials allocated 50 million taka for festival support while deploying security forces at worship sites. Major Dhaka venues include Dhakeshwari National Temple and Ramakrishna Math, where volunteers assist law enforcement agencies maintaining safety during the religious observance.
Festivities commence September 28 with Maha Shashthi and conclude October 2 during Bijoya Dashami when devotees immerse ceremonial idols. Artisans apply finishing touches to clay sculptures depicting Durga defeating demon Mahishasura. The celebration spans 33,355 locations nationwide, with 258 sites in Dhaka alone.
Government officials allocated 50 million taka for festival support while deploying security forces at worship sites. Major Dhaka venues include Dhakeshwari National Temple and Ramakrishna Math, where volunteers assist law enforcement agencies maintaining safety during the religious observance.
