Bells, drums and chants ring out as Mahalaya opens Durga Puja festivities in Bangladesh

From temples and community pavilions, the sound of conch shells, the beat of drums, and the chanting of scriptural verses Chandi echoed through as devotees marked the arrival of Goddess Durga in the mortal realm.

With the installation of the mangal ghot (auspicious pot) and offerings of flowers, basil, and bel leaves, this year’s Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival for Bengali Hindus, has formally begun with the rituals of Mahalaya on Sunday.

Traditionally, Hindus perform tarpan on this day, offering prayers and water to ancestors spanning three generations. The practice is rooted in the belief that the souls of forefathers dwell in Pitrlok, a realm between heaven and earth, overseen by Yama, the god of death. With tarpan, devotees pray for peace to the departed souls, marking the transition to the more festive phase of Devipaksha.

In Old Dhaka’s Shankhari Bazar, devotees gathered from early morning to mark the occasion.

Hriday Sarkar, who joined with his family, told bdnews24.com: “Since Mahalaya is not a public holiday, it’s often difficult to take part. But this year we made time. We’ve been to Dhakeshwari Temple and will visit several more temples in Old Dhaka.”

At Jagannath University, Hindu students organised a midday Mahalaya programme at Shahid Sajid Bhaban.

“We students become very festive during Durga’s arrival,” said Rup Kumar Sarkar, a member of the organising committee. “We’ve been working full swing since last week, and we expect teachers, students, and staff to join us for a beautiful celebration.”

According to the lunar calendar, this year’s five-day main Durga Puja will begin on Sept 28 with Shashthi. The Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami rituals will follow on Sept 29-30, and Oct 1-2 respectively, ending with the immersion of idols.

Astrological readings suggest Goddess Durga will arrive on an elephant this time, believed to herald good harvests for the earth. However, her departure on a palanquin is traditionally interpreted as a sign of epidemics or calamities.

With the festival only days away, idol makers across Bangladesh are giving final touches to clay figures of the goddess. Colours, ornaments, and intricate designs are being added in preparation for the celebrations.

This year, 33,576 pavilions will host Durga Puja nationwide, including 255 in Dhaka city, according to the Puja Celebration Council.