Today marks the celebration of Shashthi, the sixth day of Naavraatri. After Maa Durga's arrival is celebrated in Mahalaya, the goddess first encounters her devotees on Maha Shashthi. Welcoming the goddess, four rituals, Kalparamvo (the beginning of Navraatri) Bodhan (the consecration of Maa Durga's idol), Amantran (welcoming the Goddess) and Adhibas (sanctifying the stay of the Goddess in the pandals), are performed on Maha Shashthi by Bengalis around the world.

Below is a list of some temples and mandaps that you can visit with your friends and family during Durga Puja in Dhaka.

Dhakeshwari Jatiya Mandir

The name 'Dhakeshwari' means 'Goddess of Dhaka'. It is the national Hindu temple in the capital. The temple was originally build in the 12th century by King Ballal Sen of the Sena dynasty. Being one of the biggest temples in Dhaka, the Puja celebration at Dhakeshwari is a wonderful experience for people who want to have a grand Maa Shashthi Puja during the festival. The Dhakeshwari temple is open every day.

ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple

Located on Swamibag Road, the ISKCON Hare Krishna temple's Durga Puja started with a Ulto Rath Yatra, a reverse journey of Lord Jagannath's chariot from Dhakeshwari Mandir to its premises on Mahalaya.  Alongside the grand celebrations and Puja decorations, they arrange paid vegetarian meals for the visitors after the Anjali. It also arranges free food for the street beggars, children, and other underserved communities.

Banani Puja Mandap

This is one of the biggest mandaps in Dhaka organised by the Gulshan-Banani Sarbojanin Puja Parishad. The venue is always filled with Hindu visitors, especially youngsters, who enjoy live music. It also has a beautiful idol of Maa Durga. Many celebrities visit the mandap during the festivities.