Durga Puja to Light Up Over 33,000 Mandaps Nationwide

An exchange of views with journalists at Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka on the occasion of Durga Puja.Suvra Kanti Das

Durga Puja will be celebrated in 33,355 mandaps and temples across Bangladesh this year, marking an increase of 1,894 from last year’s 31,461.

The Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council and the Sarbojonin Puja Committee shared the details at a press conference held at Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka. The President of the Metropolitan Sarbojonin Puja Committee, Jayanta Kumar Deb, read out a statement outlining the celebrations.

In Dhaka metropolitan area alone, 259 mandaps will host the festivities, up from 252 last year. The Puja schedule begins with the incarnation of Goddess Durga on Saturday, followed by Maha Shashthi on Sunday, Maha Saptami on Monday, Maha Ashtami on Tuesday, Maha Nabami on Wednesday, and Bijoya Dashami on Thursday. Bijoya processions will start at 3:00 pm nationwide, with the Goddess arriving on an elephant and departing on a palanquin this year.

Addressing law-and-order concerns, the statement highlighted that preparations have included discussions with the Home Affairs and Religious Affairs Advisers. Measures have been put in place to ensure smooth celebrations, particularly after recent attacks on Durga idols and temples in 13 districts: Kushtia, Chattogram, Kurigram, Satkhira, Jhenaidah, Netrokona, Gaibandha, Panchagarh, Jamalpur, Natore, Gazipur, Manikganj, and Chapainawabganj. Law enforcement agencies have acted promptly, apprehending many perpetrators.

Jayanta Kumar Deb emphasised that security should extend beyond the five days of Puja, advocating for a year-round approach to ensure safety for all communities in Bangladesh.

To protect religious and ethnic minorities, the Council and Committee presented eight key demands, including enacting a Minority Protection Act, establishing a National Minority Commission and a Ministry for Minorities, and declaring public holidays for Durga Puja, Parvarana Purnima, and Easter Sunday.

Additionally, 22 directives were issued for mandap organisers. These include involving local administration, law enforcement, political and student leaders in the celebrations, ensuring timely immersion of idols on 2 October, limiting loud music and fireworks, reporting incidents promptly, and maintaining vigilant security.

The press conference concluded with speeches emphasising the importance of safety, community cooperation, and the cultural significance of Durga Puja in Bangladesh.