Of strength and togetherness
Festivals have always been a cornerstone of the country's culture. It's not only about the rituals and traditions that promote a sense of community but also about the various customs and the spirit of Durga Puja that buzzes in the air.
With the beginning of Durga's departure, her devotees are now experiencing mixed emotions, as she leaves them behind, blessed in strength and protection.
Devotees of Durga started thronging puja mandaps from the evening of Mahashashthi on Saturday. On Monday (Mahashtami), they conducted "Matri-darshan" (visiting the Goddess' idol) in the early morning.
Many of the city's people -- accompanied by their families and friends -- hopped the mandaps, mesmerised by the bright colours on the idols. Centres, where puja was being celebrated, were completely crowded from the afternoon till the eve of Mahashtami.
Old Dhaka's Northbrook Hall Road, Shankharibazar, Tantibazar and Laxmibazar areas were the most popularly visited areas. After Mahashtami evening, devotees slipped into an uproar of excitement and fun through the Aarti dance, performed to thank Goddess Durga.
Tantibazar priest Kalipad Chowdhury said, "Durga killed Mahishasur. That's why it is believed that this festival destroys evil forces, a time when the good triumphs."
Walking towards the mandaps in the areas of worship, one is greeted with the fading beats of "dhak". The smell of incense wafted through the air, mixed with the smell of freshly
Photo: rashed shumon
fried "luchi" and batches of "labra", a mixed vegetable dish.
Mirpur residents Sudhanshu Debnath and his wife Radhika Debnath were seen enjoying the festivities at Shakhari Bazar on Monday night.
"The festival picks up on Ashtami, so I came out to be a part of the festivity and worship with my wife," said Sudhanshu.
On Nabami yesterday, the atmosphere is still charged with tears of joy and anticipation for Durga's return the following year. Devotees were seen overwhelmed with emotion while they were bowing at the feet of the goddess at Ram Krishna Mission Mandir in Gopibag.
Ankita Ray, a homemaker who visited the Ram Krishna Mission mandap with her mother and in-laws, said, "Durga Puja is a much-needed breather for us believers. As the year is slowly progressing towards the end, Maa Durga is leaving us with the strength to deal with any adversity."
In the evening yesterday, Ram Krishna Mission Road was seen clogged with vehicles and pedestrians enjoying the small fair outside the premises of the Mandir. Some devotees were seen enjoying cotton candy, while others crowded the sweet stands that sold "murali" and "batasha".
Meanwhile, parents were seen tending to their children's demands for balloons and toys.
Another visitor Dilip Shankar, who came to celebrate with his wife and their toddlers, were seen sitting at the lawn while their children were running around.
"We are planning to visit the Banani mandap depending on whether the kids have the stamina. My daughter has already made demands for an inflated balloon that she saw outside," said the smiling father of two.
Amidst all the festivities, tight security measures were taken at almost every puja mandap. Along with the police, Rab and Ansar forces were also engaged in ensuring security at the sites.
Today, with the commencement of Bijaya Dashami, the five-day Durga Puja will come to a close with the "Bishorjon", where devotees will immerse their Goddess in the Buriganga.
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