Durga Puja from today

The five-day Durga Puja, the greatest religious festival of the Hindu community, begins from today.

Some 28,000 Puja mandaps, including around 200 in the capital, have already been set up across the country to celebrate the festival this year.

The annual festival will begin through Sashthi Puja tomorrow and end with the immersion of the goddess' idols on Bijoya Dashami on October 24.

President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia have issued separate messages, greeting the Hindu community on the occasion.

In his message, President Zillur Rahman said the religious events play a significant role in increasing sympathy and unity among the country’s people.

Terming Bangladesh ‘a glaring example of communal harmony in the world’, he hoped that all will contribute to the national development from their respective positions keeping intact the harmony.

The President also hoped that ‘Sharodiya Durga Utsab’ will strengthen the bonds of amity and fellowship among all.

In a separate message, PM Sheikh Hasina said the main characteristic of the religious festival is to destroy the evil power and adore truth and beauty. “Nowadays Durga Puja is not a celebration of the Hindu community only; rather, it has turned into a universal celebration.”