Mahalaya Begins Durga Puja Countdown in Bangladesh
Published : 11:02, 10 October 2026
With the recitation of Chandi, the installation of the sacred Mangal Ghat and the sounds of traditional drums, cymbals and conch shells, the Pitru Paksha period came to an end, marking the beginning of Devi Paksha and the countdown to Sharadiya Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival for Hindus.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi attended the Mahalaya celebrations at Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka on Saturday morning, October 10. He joined the religious programme with his wife after the event was inaugurated.
According to Hindu beliefs, Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha, when Goddess Durga is symbolically invited to descend to the mortal world. Devotees also perform tarpan to remember their departed ancestors and pray for the peace of their souls as Pitru Paksha comes to an end.
According to the Puja Committee, Durga Puja will be celebrated at 33,851 mandaps across Bangladesh this year. The main festivities are scheduled to begin with Maha Shashthi on October 16 and conclude with the immersion of Durga idols on Bijoya Dashami, October 21.
Mahdi Amin, the Prime Minister’s adviser on education and spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, and Pavan Badhe, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, were among those present at the event.
