Durga Puja celebrations began in Bangladesh with the holding of Maha Shashti puja in mandaps across the country. The celebration began with the face of the Durga idol being unveiled on Kalparamba in the temples in the morning. The 5-day long Pujo celebration will culminate on 24th October with Vijayadashmi with the immersion of idols in the rivers and water bodies.
Durga Puja is the biggest festival of Hindus in Bangladesh. According to the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad this year 32,407 mandaps will organise Durga Puja across the country. Capital city Dhaka itself has 244 puja mandaps this year. Durga Puja celebration includes cultural programs like Bhajans Kirtans, Chandipaths, dance competitions, processions, and outdoor activities.
Police have made extensive security arrangements in the pandals. At prominent Puja locations in Dhaka like the Dhakeshwari temple, Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, Ramna Kali Temple, Jagannath Hall, and Banani Puja mandap heavy police presence was visible on the opening day of the celebrations on Friday. CCTV cameras have been placed to ensure security during the pujo.