Dhaka, Oct 10 (V7N)- Mahalaya, marking the auspicious beginning of the countdown to Sharadiya Durga Puja, was observed with religious fervor across Bangladesh on Saturday as devotees invoked Goddess Durga through Chandipath, Agamani songs and special rituals.

The occasion formally marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and signals the final preparations for the biggest annual festival of the Hindu community. From dawn, devotees gathered at temples to pray for the destruction of evil, injustice and suffering and for peace and prosperity.

At the Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka, Chandipath, Pitritarpan and special rituals in memory of deceased ancestors began early in the morning. Devotees of different ages attended the ceremonies, seeking blessings and offering prayers.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi attended the Mahalaya program at the Dhakeshwari National Temple. He extended greetings and congratulations to members of the Hindu community and others celebrating the occasion, while expressing hope for lasting global peace and the welfare of humanity.

Meanwhile, Mahdi Amin, education adviser to the prime minister of Bangladesh, attended a colorful Mahalaya celebration organized by the Gulshan-Banani Sarbajanin Puja Foundation at Banani Ground in the capital as the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, Mahdi Amin said that people in Bangladesh should rise above religious and social differences, emphasizing that their shared identity as Bangladeshis should take precedence. He said the government's goal was to promote harmony, unity and mutual respect rather than division.

He also said the government had increased financial grants and allocations for Durga Puja venues to help ensure that the autumn festival could be celebrated peacefully and joyfully.

Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pawan Badhe and senior leaders of the Puja Celebration Committee also attended the program.

Preparations for Durga Puja are expected to continue across the country in the coming days as devotees prepare to welcome the Goddess and celebrate the festival.

END/SMA/AJ