Hindu devotees yesterday celebrated Maha Ashtami across the country, offering obeisance to Goddess Durga. Today, Maha Navami, the fourth day of Durga Puja, will begin in the morning. On this day, priests begin the rituals that culminate with a devotional offering called “Maha-Arati”.
The Maha Ashtami is also the time for Kumari Puja where a girl child, symbolising a pre-pubescent, is worshipped as the “Mother Goddess”. This integral part of the sacred ritual was performed amidst huge festivity.
The Goddess Durga is worshipped in various forms during the five-day Sharodiya Durgotsab and one of those forms is Kumari, the virgin form of the deity.
According to Ramkrishna, Divine Mother manifests herself more in Kumari, a pure-hearted girl.
Maha Ashtami Bihit Puja was held in the morning at all mandaps across the country simultaneously. Later, Mohaprasad (sweets) along with anjali (flowers) was distributed among the devotees.
Devotees of all ages offered flowers at the feet of the Kumari. Finally, Arati was performed. It is customary to offer the girl with gold, silver and clothes, which is considered as a pious act.
From the early morning people of all ages gathered at Ramkrishna Mission and Dhakeswari Temple to observe Kumari Puja. Sandhi Puja was held last night at the 48-minute juncture time of Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami.
Yesterday, the devotees observed fasting and recited hymns while attending the puja ceremonies at mandaps and offered flowers to seek blessings from Durga, the saviour of mankind from all evils.
Bakshibazar, Shankharibazar, Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University, Ramna Kali Mandir, Thataribazar, Pranab Math, Siddheswari Kali Mandir were a few of the prominent mandaps that had been given decorative looks with colourful designs and lights.
The organisers also arranged cultural programmes on the occasion.
Additional law enforcers have been deployed around the puja venues to ensure security during the festivities.
-With The Daily Star input
