Khagrachhari, Sept 28 (V7N) – The long-awaited festivities of the Bengali Hindu Sanatan community officially begin on Sunday with the onset of the Sharadiya Durga Puja. The celebrations will commence with the ceremonial invocation of Goddess Durga, known as “Amantran” or “Adhibas,” marking the start of the sixth-day ritual (Shashti Puja). Across various pandals, devotees will engage in recitation of sacred texts (Chandipath) throughout the day.

In Khagrachhari, the five-day festival begins with the ceremonial welcoming of the goddess. The air is filled with the rhythmic sounds of drums, conch shells, bells, and gongs, accompanied by the ululation of devotees. Aromas of incense and agarbatti enhance the devotional ambiance, while colorful decorations and vibrant crowds create a festive spectacle across all pandals.

According to traditional Hindu scriptures, this year Goddess Durga’s arrival is predicted over fertile land rich in crops, a sign considered auspicious for the community. Observances include Maha Saptami on Monday, Maha Ashtami on Tuesday, and Maha Navami on Wednesday. The Maha Navami Puja will begin at 7:30 a.m., as per the official calendar. The festival will conclude with Dussehra or Vijayadashami on Thursday, followed by the immersion ceremony (Visarjan).

This year, Khagrachhari will host Durga Puja in 64 temples and pandals, drawing large numbers of devotees from across the region. The celebrations follow Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of the Devi Paksha and the sacred Sharadiya Durga Puja period, a time of spiritual merit and community devotion.

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