Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Sept 28, 2025 (BSS) - The five-day celebration of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, began today in Rajshahi and across the country with the traditional Bodhan ceremony, ushering in a time of joy, devotion, and vibrant festivity.

In Rajshahi division alone, 3,449 puja mandaps have been set up across its eight districts, including 103 mandaps in Rajshahi city, where celebrations are in full swing under tight security arrangements.

The festival includes daily pujas, arti, scripture recitations, devotional songs (bhajans), and the distribution of prashad. Large numbers of devotees have already started visiting the mandaps to offer prayers and catch a glimpse of the goddess Durga in her adorned form.

Speaking to BSS, Shyamal Kumar Ghosh, General Secretary of the Puja Udjapan Parishad's Rajshahi city unit, said, "Durga Puja is being celebrated in a truly festive atmosphere this year. The temples and mandaps are beautifully decorated, with lights and artistic installations giving the city a vibrant, joyous look."

The celebrations will culminate with the immersion of Durga idols on Bijoya Dashami, which falls on Thursday.

To ensure a peaceful and joyous celebration, law enforcement agencies have taken extensive security measures in Rajshahi and surrounding areas.

Muhammad Abu Sufian, Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, said,
"We have implemented strict security measures to ensure that Durga Puja in Rajshahi city proceeds peacefully and successfully."

Police stations have been directed to maintain round-the-clock communication with local puja committees. Law enforcement personnel have already been deployed at key points across the city to monitor the situation.

Additionally, puja organizers have been advised to install CCTV cameras at major mandaps and to arrange separate entry and exit routes for male and female devotees to manage the crowd efficiently.

Dr Muhammad Shahjahan, Deputy Inspector General of Police, informed that a four-tier security system has been put in place throughout the division.

He warned, "There will be zero tolerance for any activity that disrupts communal harmony. Strict legal action will be taken against those attempting to instigate unrest."