The celebration of Durga Puja, largest religious festival of the Hindu Community, has begun across the country today amid tight security.
The celebration begins with Shashthi Puja marking the beginning of the five-day festival. Mahasaptami will be celebrated Friday followed by Mahashtami on Saturday. Mohanabami and Bijoya Dashami will be observed on Sunday and Monday (Oct 26).
Leaders of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad urged all to strictly maintain the health guidelines and directives issued by the government in the wake of the global pandemic COVID-19 during the Durga Puja celebration.
In Dhaka city, the main puja mandaps are Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramkrishna Mission and Math, Kalabagan, Banani, Shakhari Bazar and Ramna Kali Mandir.
The mandaps have been decorated with colourful lights, artificial flowers, festoons, banners and paintings, with colourful arches at the entrance of a number of them welcoming devotees and guests.
This year, Durga Puja have been arranged at 7014 mandaps in Dhaka division while at 3906 mandaps in Chattogram, 4689 in Khulna, 2646 in Sylhet, 1584 in Mymensingh, 1701 in Barishal, 5250 in Rangpur and 3435 in Rajshahi division.
Recently Health Services Division issued directives for maintaining health guidelines during the Durga Puja in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
According to the instructions, one has to maintain health guidelines, including social distancing, using hand sanitizer and wearing mask while entering the puja mandap.
Hand washing facilities, sanitizers and thermal scanner should be ensured at the entry points of puja mandaps.
No procession will be allowed at the time of immersion of the goddess Durga. Prashad distribution, arati (dance competition) and cultural festivals should be avoided.
Earlier on October 4, the Home Ministry gave some instructions to ensure the security of the puja mandaps and maintain law and order.
The Puja Udjapan Committees are asked to dial 999 for emergency help or support, if needed.
Besides, the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad sent directives to puja celebration committees across the country.
In light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, there will be no programmes to celebrate the Kumari Puja in Dhaka as part of this year’s Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindus.
Additionally, the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad (BPUP) announced that mandaps (pavilions) across the country will be closed every day during the puja at 9pm.
Meanwhile, strict security measures have been taken across the country including the capital where Police, Ansar, BGB, RAB among others law enforcing agencies will carry out their duties to ensure safety during Puja celebration.
BDST: 1214 HRS, OCT 22, 2020
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