The largest religious festival of the Hindu community, Sharadiya Durga Puja, officially commences today, Friday (October 16, 2026), with the ritualistic Maha Shashthi Adhibas across the country.
While Durga Puja is traditionally celebrated over five days, this year’s festival will extend to six consecutive days through Wednesday, October 21, due to a dual tithi alignment on Maha Saptami. According to traditional scriptures, Goddess Durga arrives on earth this year riding a horseback (Ghotok) and will depart on a boat (Nouka).
Following today's Shashthi rituals, Maha Saptami will be observed on Saturday (Oct 17) and Sunday (Oct 18), followed by Maha Ashtami and Kumari Puja on Monday (Oct 19), Maha Navami on Tuesday (Oct 20), and conclude with Bijoya Dashami idol immersion on Wednesday (Oct 21). Data from the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad reveals a record 33,851 mandaps hosting Durga Puja nationwide this year—an increase of 496 mandaps compared to last year. Meanwhile, in Dhaka Metropolitan area, the total mandap count stands at 258 (a reduction of 3) due to municipal restrictions against setting up Puja pavilions directly blocking public thoroughfares and main roads.
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Reported by Staff Reporter • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
