Durga Puja 2026 has begun across Bangladesh with Maha Shashthi rituals, devotional ceremonies and colourful decorations. A total of 33,851 puja mandaps have been established nationwide, while authorities have strengthened security arrangements to ensure peaceful festival celebrations.
The biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, Sharadiya Durga Puja, began on Friday with Maha Shashthi, marking the ceremonial awakening of Goddess Durga.
Temples across the capital welcomed the goddess with incense, traditional lamps, and the rhythmic beats of drums. Rituals, including Bodhan (awakening), Abahan (invocation) and Adhibas (consecration), were performed at puja mandaps.
According to Hindu beliefs, Goddess Durga protects devotees from suffering, obstacles, fear, grief and pain. Religious scholars interpret her name as referring to the divine power that helps people overcome suffering. According to traditional beliefs, the goddess tests people’s endurance through hardship and relieves their suffering when they turn to her in devotion. The goddess is set to arrive on horseback and depart by boat on Bijoya Dashami.
The arrival of the goddess is traditionally heralded on Mahalaya, while Bijoya Dashami marks her farewell. The festival concludes with the Maha Arati, completing the religious rituals.
Celebrations will continue every day from Shashthi to Dashami. Maha Saptami will be observed on Saturday and Sunday, followed by Maha Ashtami on Monday, Maha Navami on Tuesday, and Bijoya Dashami on Wednesday.
Temples and puja mandaps across the country have taken on a festive appearance, with decorated idols and illuminated premises. Devotees welcomed the goddess with conch shells, ululations and drumbeats.
The administration and law enforcement agencies have made extensive preparations to ensure peaceful and uninterrupted celebrations.
A total of 33,851 puja mandaps have been set up across the country this year, around 1,500 more than last year. In Dhaka city, Durga Puja is being celebrated at 258 temples and mandaps.
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Government employees are set to enjoy a five-day holiday from October 20 to 24 during the festival.
October 20 will be a holiday for Maha Nabami under an executive order, while October 21, Bijoya Dashami, is a public holiday.
