BANGLADESH

The capital, along with entire country, is celebrating Maha-Shaptami of the Durga Puja festival.

The goddess was invoked by infusing new life into her by painting on her eyes alive on Monday morning at 8.58am. Artisans fast for a day and eat only vegetarian food before painting the eyes, or partaking in the 'Chokkhu Dan'.

The followers prayed to the goddess with offerings of clothes, ablutions, flowers, sandal powder and incensed sticks.



The central priest of Jagannath Hall, Dhaka University, said, "The devotees prayed to the goddess for peace and mercy for every living being, with offerings of flowers. An evening prayer and cultural programme will commence, and 'Shandhi Puja' will be performed during 'Maha Ashtami' tomorrow (Tuesday)."

Durga Puja is also being celebrated at Kalabagan Sports Ground, organised by Dhanmondi Sharbojanin Puja Celebration Committee. Chief of the committee Swapon Kumar Gosh said around 25,000 people visited earlier on the 'Maha Shasthy' day, Monday.

The Maha Shatami puja, offerings of flowers, distribution of Prasad, the evening prayer and cultural programmes were coordinated last Thursday.

He expressed his happiness with the security around the puja pandal.

RAB personnel, present for security, said the police and members of the intelligence were also working alongside RAB on the occasion.

Followers of the goddess also gathered at Dhakeswari temple, Ramna Kali Temple, Ram Krishna Mission and other temples organising the puja.