Durga puja

Late-night clash between police, people of Hindu community in Old Dhaka

Police and locals of the Hindu community locked in a clash in Patuatuli area of Old Dhaka late last night when the latter was going to immerse idols in Buriganga river.

REFLECTIONS / Durga and the Bangali identity crisis

I am compelled to ask what being a Bangali even means today: What shapes our ethnic identity?

Where prayers and puja meet

Moulvibazar’s Juri upazila is home to a somewhat unique religious site. On a shared courtyard, built on deep mutual respect, the Bhuai Jame Mosque and Bhuai Durga Puja Mandap have been a beacon of communal harmony and coexistence for years.

Police yet to identify bottle thrower

Police are yet to identify the man who threw what locals said was a molotov cocktail at idols of a puja mandap in the capital’s Tanti Bazar on Friday night.

Build a nation protecting rights of everyone

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said people should aim to build a Bangladesh where no one’s right is infringed upon.

Where to catch the beats and bhog: Dhaka's top Durga Puja pandals

Upon Durga’s arrival, a familiar street corner, neighbouring colony, a quiet parking lot, or an abandoned open field turn into pandals overnight, adorned with lights and colours, ready to welcome the goddess. Whether you are strolling through the street pandals or gathering with friends at a temple, there are a few key spots in Dhaka that you simply cannot miss.

Durga Puja, a festival of faith and togetherness

As dawn breaks and the first rays of sunlight  streams through your window, you hear the rhythmic beat of drums and the joyful clanging of cymbals coming from a nearby temple.

Kushum Shikder’s ‘Shoroter Joba’ hits theatres today

Kushum Shikder’s “Shoroter Joba”, originally a short story published in a 2017 Eid special magazine issue, has now been adapted into a full-length feature film. The movie makes its grand debut today, with screenings at Star Cineplex and Jamuna Blockbuster.

Durga Puja delights: A lineup of new dramas and festive songs

The five-day-long Durga Puja festivities kick off today. To celebrate, new songs have been released, and fresh dramas are set to premiere on TV and YouTube. Here’s a glimpse of some notable entertainment highlights for Durga Puja.

October 8, 2024
October 8, 2024

Durga Puja holidays extended by a day

Today, a notification will be issued, declaring Thursday (October 10), as holiday

October 6, 2024
October 6, 2024

Sacred blooms, eternal love: Flowers in worship and puja fashion

In the simplicity of floral blooms, devotees find a pure form, expressing their homage to the gods and goddesses; their beauty and scent create an ambience that elevates the entire spiritual experience.

October 6, 2024
October 6, 2024

No songs this year: When Kolkata’s spirit pauses for Durga Pujo

This year, Kolkata's Puja will be solemn, omitting traditional festivities and community gatherings due to a recent heinous crime. The focus shifts to hope for justice and safer days, reflecting the festival's true spirit amid ongoing grief.

October 6, 2024
October 6, 2024

Drums, beats, and dhakis: A fading tradition

“Dhak, dhol, jhajor baaje,” we recite as children and there is no denying that the beats of the drums that we call ‘dhak’ has something robustly unique about it. Dhak is a familiar musical instrument that is native to the Indian subcontinent. Aside from their uniquely loud palpitating beats, there are stories behind the sound.

October 6, 2024
October 6, 2024

The need to ensure security during Durga Puja celebration

Although it is imperative to implement immediate security measures, it is equally critical to address the underlying causes of communal tension.

October 3, 2024
October 3, 2024

May peace prevail this Puja: Sushama Sarker

Actress Sushama Sarker has showcased her talent in theatre, television dramas, films, and OTT platforms over the course of several years. The thespian has moreover been a long-standing member of the theatre troupe Desh Natak while dedicating her time to stage performances in Dhaka for over two decades.

October 2, 2024
October 2, 2024

Mahalaya to Vijaya Dashami: What this year’s Durga Puja predicts

Durga Puja, an annual Hindu festival, celebrates the divine force “Shakti” embodied in Goddess Durga. This year, Mahalaya falls on 2 October, marking the start of Devi Paksha. Durga arrives on 3 October by palanquin, considered inauspicious, and departs on 12 October by horse.

October 2, 2024
October 2, 2024

Can't celebrate Durga Puja while others are still suffering: Apu Biswas

Shubho Mahalaya, the most significant religious festival for Bengali Sanatan (Hindu) practitioners, marks the auspicious beginning of Durga Puja today. This day indicates the start of Devi Paksha, which is a crucial element of the Puja celebrations.

September 30, 2024
September 30, 2024

Unveiling the goddess within

Durga Puja celebrates Goddess Durga, highlighting her strength, courage, and compassion. These divine traits are present in every woman, empowering them to face challenges and embrace their inner goddess during the festival and beyond.

September 30, 2024
September 30, 2024

Vibrant puja culture of Shankhari Bazar: Where tradition meets tomorrow

Shankhari Bazar, one of Dhaka’s oldest neighbourhoods, is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage. During Durga Puja, the area transforms with colourful decorations and bustling markets. Despite modernization, it retains its charm, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane.