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Bangladesh

Maha Saptami observances begin as Durga Puja continues nationwide

Hindu worshippers across Bangladesh observed Maha Saptami on Saturday, 17 October, as Durga Puja continued at temples and temporary mandaps. This year the Saptami lunar period spans two days, with observances continuing on Sunday. The morning

Bengal Brief · · 1 min read

From 18 October 2026 — Daily Brief

Hindu worshippers across Bangladesh observed Maha Saptami on Saturday, 17 October, as Durga Puja continued at temples and temporary mandaps. This year the Saptami lunar period spans two days, with observances continuing on Sunday.

The morning rituals included Nabapatrika, in which nine plants associated with forms of Goddess Durga are ceremonially bathed and worshipped. Devotees offered anjali and received prasad, with Dhakeshwari National Temple among the main gathering places in Dhaka.

Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad says 33,851 mandaps are hosting the festival nationwide. Police and other security services have been deployed at worship sites and in coastal and border areas.

Maha Ashtami falls on Monday, 19 October, followed by Maha Navami on Tuesday. The festival ends with Bijoya Dashami and idol immersion on Wednesday, 21 October. The six-day calendar reflects the extended Saptami observance, rather than an additional stage of worship.

The government has declared holidays on 20–22 October. Together with the Friday–Saturday weekend, they create a five-day public holiday period ending on 24 October.

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