A vibrant festive atmosphere has taken over Sreemangal upazila in Moulvibazar district as devotees gather to celebrate the five-day Basanti Puja, marked by devotion, tradition and joy.
The ceremony began on Tuesday evening with the rituals of Shashthi, while Maha Saptami puja was observed at various mandaps from Wednesday morning.
Around 50 puja mandaps; both private and community-based, have been set up across the upazila, drawing large crowds and creating a lively celebration.
Major mandaps include Sreemongaleshwari Kali Bari, the municipal cremation ground, Nirmai Shiv Bari, Rupaspur residential area, Debbari, Sabujbag cremation ground, Uttasur, Gandharbapur and the Sandhani residential area.
Devotees expressed happiness at being able to come together with friends and family during the festival.
Many said that despite living in different places due to studies or work, Basanti Puja provides a special opportunity for reunion and celebration.
Worshippers offered prayers and pushpanjali to Goddess Durga, as priests chanted mantras to invoke the deity.
Organizers said the festival will continue through Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, and will conclude on March 28 with the final rituals and immersion of idols.
Basanti Puja, observed in the Bengali month of Chaitra, is considered one of the oldest forms of Durga worship. It is comparable to the more widely celebrated Durga Puja held in autumn.
According to Hindu mythology, the puja was first introduced by King Suratha, while Lord Rama later popularized Durga Puja in autumn through the ritual of Akal Bodhan.
Overall, the festival has created a joyful and spiritual environment in the upazila, bringing together devotion, culture and community celebration.
RA/SH
