Maha Ashtami, Kumari Puja today

Maha Ashtami and Kumari Puja  will be observed across the country today (Monday), one of the most significant days of the Sharadiya Durga Puja festival, with traditional rituals and prayers, while Sandhi Puja and Kumari Puja will draw worshippers to temples.

At Dhaka’s Dhakeshwari National Temple, the Maha Ashtami rituals are scheduled to conclude at 7:34am, followed by Sandhi Puja from 7:55am to 8:43am.

Sandhi Puja is held at the junction of Ashtami and Nabami, the eighth and ninth days of the lunar calendar. According to Hindu mythology, the ritual commemorates the moment when Goddess Durga assumed the form of Chamunda to kill the demons Chanda and Munda.

Kumari Puja, another important ritual of the day, will be held at several temples in keeping with tradition. At Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in Dhaka, the puja is scheduled to begin at 9:30am.

During Kumari Puja, a pre-pubescent unmarried girl, usually aged between one and 16, is worshipped as a living embodiment of Goddess Durga and the divine feminine power. Devotees offer water, clothes, flowers, and gold and silver ornaments as part of the ritual.

Meanwhile, Maha Saptami, another key day of the festival, was observed on Saturday, with Hindu devotees gathering at temples across the country to offer prayers and flowers to the goddess.

The Maha Saptami rituals began on Saturday morning with a ceremonial bath of the reflection of Goddess Durga in a mirror. This was followed by the installation of Nabapatrika, also known as Kola Bou Snan. The rituals also included the ceremonial opening of the goddess’s eyes.

After the rituals, devotees offered flowers and bel leaves while reciting prayers. The sound of drums, bells and conch shells filled the temples as people prayed for peace and well-being.
The Sharadiya Durga Puja festival began on Friday with Maha Shashthi. The celebrations will conclude on October 21 with Bijoya Dashami, when the idols of Goddess Durga will be immersed.