UNB, Dhaka :
The five-day Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, begins across the country on Tuesday.
This year, puja (veneration) will be offered at some 28,500 mandaps across the country, including 219 in Dhaka city. Last year, the number was 28,000, including 212 in the capital.
The annual celebrations will begin through Sashthi Puja today and end with the immersion of the idols of goddess Durga on Bijoya Dashami on October 4.
Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia have greeted the Hindu community on the occasion.
In his message, the President said, “I think Durga Puja plays a significant role in bolstering sympathy and unity among the country’s people.”
He also hoped that all will play their part from their respective positions for the national development upholding the tradition of the communal harmony.
The Prime Minister, in her message, said the main characteristic of Durga Puja is to destroy the evil force and adore the truth and beauty. “These days, Durga Puja is not a celebration of the Hindu community only. Instead, it has turned into a universal celebration.”
