Dhaka, Sep 29 (V7N) – The Sharadiya Durgotsav, the biggest religious festival of the Sanatan community, has entered its main phase with Maha Saptami today. While the rituals began earlier with Bodhan on Panchami and invitation and adhivas on Shashti, the principal worship of Goddess Durga commences from Saptami.

On Monday morning at 9:58 am, the awakening of Mahamaya was performed through rituals of Kalparambha and Bihit puja, marking the start of the goddess’s battle against evil. Devotees offered worship with mantras, incense, and aarti as part of the Saptami ceremonies.

This year, according to scriptures, the goddess arrives riding a horse or elephant, symbolizing happiness, peace, and prosperity for the mortal world. She will depart on a dola (palanquin), which tradition interprets as a sign of possible epidemics, natural disasters, or turmoil.

The highlight of Saptami rituals included the installation of the Navapatrika (Kalabau), formed with nine sacred plants—banana, turmeric, bilva, pomegranate, jayanti, kachu, ashoka, man, and dhan—tied together and dressed like a bride in a red-bordered sari. The Navapatrika symbolizes the nine forms of Goddess Durga and is placed beside the idol for worship.

Festivities have begun with enthusiasm at temples and puja mandaps across the country, including Dhakeshwari Temple, Ramakrishna Mission and Math, Ramna Kali Mandir and Anandamayi Ashram, Barodeshwari Kali Mata Temple, Gulshan-Banani Sarvajanin Puja Mandap, Tanti Bazar, and Shankhari Bazar in Old Dhaka.

To ensure smooth celebrations, maximum security measures have been deployed. This year, Durga Puja is being celebrated in 259 mandaps in Dhaka city alone.

The festival will continue with Maha Ashtami and Kumari Puja on Tuesday, and conclude with the immersion of idols on Thursday.

END/SMA/AJ