Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee
Special programmes in observance of Mahalaya , the auspicious occasion heralding the advent of goddess Durga organised by Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee was held at Dhakeshwari National Temple at 5.30 am on Monday. The country’s noted singers performed in the programme. With the beginning of’Devipaksha’, Mahalaya is observed seven days before Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bangalee Hindu community. Mahalaya marks an invitation of sorts to goddess Durga to begin her journey from Kailash to her paternal home (earth), along with her children. This invitation is extended through the chanting of mantras from Sri Sri Chandi and singing devotional songs. Similar programmes were also arranged in different temples in the capital city including Ramna Kali Mandir and Dhaka University Jagannath Hall Upashanaloya.
Women with Disabilities Dev Foundation
A discussion on ‘Rights of Disabled Women’ organised by Women with Disabilities Development Foundation (WDDF) was held in the auditorium of SWID Bangladesh in the city’s Eskaton. Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon was present as the chief guest in the programme held recently. While speaking Menon underscored the need for bringing the persons with disabilities and the ethnic groups in the mainstream of society to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The minister said the overall development of Bangladesh would not be possible by leaving behind around 16 lakh persons with disabilities. President of the organisation Shirin Akther presided over the event. The function was also addressed, among others, by Managing Director of National Disabled Development Foundation Mahmuda Min Ara and Executive Director of Manusher Janya Foundation Shahin Anam.
