BANGLADESH

Ram Krishna Mission in the capital and its branches all over the country performed `Kumari Puja' on Tuesday.

This special ceremony is exclusive to Ram Krishna Mission twigs.

A maiden as a symbol of virgin Goddess Durga is worshipped during the ritual of `Kumari Puja' on the eighth lunar day, or the 'Maha Asthami' day.

The crowned goddess was placed on her throne at 11am. The devotees hailed the symbolic deity with cries of "Jay Devi Kumari!"

Sixteen ingredients comprise the complete ritual of the Puja, five of which—fire, water, fabric, flowers, and air—were offered to the goddess.

The goddess was treated with devotion and respect during the evening prayer.

The students of Dhaka Ram Krishna Mission said to recognise the 'mother' in every woman is the purpose of this ritual. Any maiden aged between one and 16 could be worshiped as `Kumari', according to Hindu traditions.


Priest of the Mission Amol Maharaj said, "A six-year-old maiden was selected to be the symbolic goddess this year."

People started flocking in the Mission as the maiden goddess took the posture of the goddess. Later people queued up to receive 'Maha Prasad'.

The 'Bihita Puja' of Maha Ashtami commenced early in the morning, while the 'Shandhi Puja' takes place in the evening.

The Shandhi Puja is the final part where the 'asuras' (demons) surrenders to the goddess.