The largest festival for the Sanatan community, Durga Puja, commenced across the country on Wednesday (Oct. 9). This year's puja arrived in more sensitive circumstances than usual, given the political changeover on August 5th, and its celebrations carry much more import than usual, given the impression that the mass uprising that led to the former prime minister leaving the country was less of a student revolt than first thought, and more of an Islamic revolution in disguise.

Some of the untoward incidents in the wake of the previous government's fall prompted concerns as the Hindu community came under attack in some places across the country. However subsequent scrutiny showed many of the incidents were in fact 'fake news', and although minorities did face attacks, these were not disproportionate in view of the overall state of lawlessness that followed in the vacuum left behind by Sheikh Hasina's exit to India.

Speaking of India, Bangladesh's ties with its big neighbour became visibly strained since Hasina's downfall. New Delhi also seized upon the rumours of persecution suffered by Hindus to pressurise Dhaka - although a BBC investigation later showed Indian sources were a leading propagator of the rumours and fake news in this regard.

As the time for Durga Puja came around, shopping centres, malls and stores in the capital city started witnessing a huge rush of customers ahead of Sharadiya Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the country's Hindu community.

The businessmen were a bit doubtful about sales ahead of puja due to the unexpected situation created after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5. However, the apprehension is now over after the interim government led by Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus spoke strongly in favour of the importance of communal harmony in the country on repeated occasions.

Extending his greetings to the country's all members of the Hindu community, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said that Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony.

"Durga Puja is not only a festival of the Hindu community... it has now become a festival for all. The destruction of evil forces and the worship of truth and beauty are the main features of the festival," he said in a message on the occasion of Durga Puja, the main religious festival of the Hindu community.

Prof Yunus said the constitution of the country guarantees equal rights to the people of all religions and castes. "This country belongs to all of us. This country is a safe home to all irrespective of caste and religion," said the Chief Adviser.

He said the interim government formed by the unprecedented uprising of students-workers-masses on August 5 is working to improve the wellbeing of all and ensure equal rights regardless of caste and religion.

Last Friday, BSS reported a huge rush of shoppers was seen at the capital's Bashundhara City Shopping Complex ahead of Durga Puja. Clothing outlets of different local brands including Aarong, Deshi Dosh, Infinity, Anjan's were seen overcrowded with consumers. The same picture was seen in shoe stores. Consumers were seen busy purchasing their chosen items at Bata, Bay Emporium, Apex and other brands of shoes there.

According to the retailers, sales are getting better this time on the occasion of Durga Puja. Many could not go to neighbouring Kolkata for shopping as they did not get their visas on time this year. Because of this reason, they are now shopping in the country and as a result sales in the country's market are getting better.

Most of the fashion brands, apparel retailers and electronics brands have come up with new products and provide various new offers including discounts ahead of Durga Puja. Businessmen estimated that about 70 percent of the total sales on the occasion of festivals in Bangladesh are held during the two Eids and the rest during Pahela Baishakh and Durga Puja.

Traders also said that sarees and salwar-kameez are in high demand during puja. Buyers are more interested in katan, silk and designer sarees. Jamdani is also in high demand.

Poli Dey, a resident of Kathal Bagan in the capital, came to Bashundhara shopping mall with her son and daughter to shop for Puja.

When asked, she told BSS that her family has spent about Taka 40,000 for shopping in the last two weeks. She purchased panjabees, shirts, pants and other accessories for her father, husband and brothers. Apart from this, sarees and other accessories were purchased for her mother and other close relatives.

In addition to Bashundhara shopping mall, massive crowds of shoppers were also seen in New Market, Dhanmondi Hawkers Market, Eastern Mollika, Motaleb Plaza, Eastern Plaza, Jamuna Future Park, Dhanmondi and Old Dhaka's shopping malls in the capital. Hindu community members are also purchasing from small shops in their localities.

Saikat Das, a private bank employee, who was shopping at Hawkers Market in Dhanmondi, said: "I bought eight sarees for my mother, wife and two sisters."

Saikat bought shirts, T-shirts, pants and shoes for himself. "Durga Puja is our biggest festival. There is joy in giving gifts. This time the market is very crowded. It seems that sales are higher than other times," he said.

Proprietor of Fahad Fashion House of Gauchia Market Farhad Hossain Saju said sales are better this year. Sales will continue even during the Durga Puja too like previous years, he hoped.

Saiful Islam, the owner of Bichitra Cosmetics, said that the sales of cosmetics items continue throughout the year and still going on but demand increases ahead of any festivals including the puja.

The traditional shops of Old Dhaka's Shankhari Bazaar were seen bustling with shoppers likewise every year centering Durga Puja.

Sales of various items conch shells, idol clothes, bells, pots, earthen lamps, agarbatis or dhup kathi (incense sticks), deities' garlands, crowns, sarees, dhoti, panjabees and other ornaments are going on in full swing ahead of Durga Puja.

Soumitra Das of Maa Manasa Shankh Shilpalaya said that conch, alta (red dye), vermilion, earthen lamps and other materials are also being sold in large scale.

Celebrations commence

On Thursday (October 10), in various puja mandaps in the capital, devotees were joyfully participating in the celebrations, attracting many visitors. The day was what is known as the Moha Soptomi of the festival.

Sulekha Das came to the puja mandap in Banani with her brother from Badda. When asked about her experience, she remarked, "Overall, it feels great. Although the main rituals start after the evening."

Dipto Bose brought his wife to the Gulshan puja mandap, where the couple was seen admiring the elaborate decorations. They expressed, "We are really enjoying ourselves. Today marks the 2nd day of our celebration. With tight security, we feel safe."

Police officers stationed at the event confirmed, "We are keeping a close watch. There is no threat of any unpleasant incidents."

At the Siddheshwari Shri Shri Kali Temple, Rama Bhattacharya and Dilip Bhattacharya, who arrived from Adabar, were seen happily exploring the mandap. They noted, "We also visited the Bashkhali puja mandap; the security arrangements are very good."

Another visitor commented, "So far, everything seems fine, but I do feel a bit anxious."

Shekhar Saha, a member of the puja committee, shared, "Not every cloud brings a storm. Despite some concerns, I hope everything will proceed smoothly. With enhanced security, I don't sense any imminent danger."

Rajiv Sharma, the publicity secretary, said, "The security is good. However, it seems that many people are not coming out due to fear. This time, the crowd seems to be relatively smaller."

Sub-Inspector Mohammad Ashik from Ramna police station stated, "We are present alongside officers from the NSI, DGFI, and BGB, ensuring tight security. We hope there will be no opportunity for any disruptive activities."

Similarly, devotees from the Hindu community crowded in various puja mandaps in the port city Chittagong on Thursday, demonstrating a festive atmosphere across the city.

People from all age-groups - children, teenagers, and senior citizens were crowding at the puja venues wearing new and colourful clothes.

An evening tour to some of major puja venues including the Jatra Mohan Sen Hall, which still stands in Chattogram bearing witness to a century of the port city's history, revealed a vibrant presence of Hindu devotees, reported our sister newsagency UNB.

Crowds were also seen in Ramakrishna Mission, Kaibalyadham, Hazarigali, Gosail Danga, Kusumkumari High School, Cheragi Pahar.

"Durga Puja is the worship of nature whose main purpose is to establish truth and beauty. Although Durga Puja is outwardly for particular community, its underlying meaning or purpose is a grand event involving all for the well-being of all," Kanu Kumar Das, Assistant Prof of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) told UNB.

"May this great puja bring prosperity, harmony and friendship to all and the motherland. This is the prayer of puja I offer from my heart," said the architect and city planner who is celebrating this festival together with his friends and family members.

General Secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan Puja Celebration Parishad Hillol Sen told reporters Anjali was offered at the puja mandaps at noon and there was quite a crowd of devotees then.

"Volunteers are deployed at each venue for security. Besides, each mandap is covered by CC cameras. The crowd of visitors has increased since the evening," he said.

Earlier in the afternoon Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Freedom Fighter Farooq-e-Azam, Bir Pratik visited the Puja mandap at Kusumkumari High School in the city. Senior government officials were present.

Meanwhile, Chattagram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Haseeb Aziz visited some puja mandaps in the city on Thursday morning to see the overall security of Durga Puja. Additional Deputy Commissioner of City Police (ADC-Media) Kazi Md Tarek Aziz said about two thousand policemen are working in the city to ensure security during the Durga Puja.

Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir said that all Puja mandaps across the country are being monitored through IP cameras with adequate patrolling by the police, Rab and intelligence agencies.

An untoward incident

Also on Thursday, a group of six youths caused a bit of a furore when they stepped onto a puja stage at JM Sen Hall, the biggest puja mandap in the port city, and sang two Islamic songs that angered the Hindu community who were peacefully celebrating the Durga Puja.

A video went viral on social media and some are claiming that they were Shibir men though the youth are yet to be identified. Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanom said they will arrest the six youths within 48 hours.

"No matter who they are and how powerful they are, they will be arrested within next 24 to 48 hours," she said while visiting the JM Sen Hall Puja mandap.

"We can't take it lightly. This is a heinous act. We are trying to identify them through proper authorities," Bangladesh Puja Celebrations Committee, Chattogram General Secretary Sukanta Mohajan Tutul told UNB at the puja venue.

He said the youth informed the Puja Committee members that they would sing a patriotic song but they actually sang two Islamic songs. Tutul said they identified them as members of Chattogram Cultural Academy.

Rumour Scanner, an independent Bangladeshi fact-checking website that debunks fake news, myths and misinformation, claimed that the video that went viral was real and not edited.

DC Farida Khanom said the person who was in charge of the stage at the time did not perform his responsibility properly. She asked the Puja celebrations committee to take steps against the person who was in charge of the stage.

"Bangladesh is a country of religious harmony. This is a festival for all. We have taken all necessary preparations to ensure peaceful celebrations of the festival," she added.

Puja Committee President Ashish Bhattacharya said the incident hurt them. He also assured the local administration that they will suspend the person who was in charge of stage. Tutul said they arranged cultural functions in two sessions and the incident occurred during the first session of the function.

Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir, Assistant Press Secretaries Nayem Ali and Shuchismita Tithi and senior government officials visited the place and talked to the Puja Committee members.

President of the Chattogram Cultural Academy Selim Jaman claimed that the Puja Committee invited them to perform. In Chattogram, Durga Puja is being celebrated in 2458 locations. Among them, there are 293 puja mandaps in the city and 2165 in 15 upazilas of the district.

The government has said that law enforcement agencies are sincerely focusing on the security concerns shared by the Hindu community.

Durga Puja was being held at 31,461 puja mandaps across the country this year. The information was shared by Jayanta Kumar Dev, president of the Sarbajanin Puja Committee at a press conference at the Dhakeshwari National Temple.

"Before Durga Puja, we received reports of attacks on Durga idols and temples in several locations. Incidents of vandalism and violence have been reported in Dhamrai of Dhaka, Kishoreganj Sadar upazila, Narail Sadar upazila, Lahiri Hat in Rangpur Sadar, Palash in Narsingdi, Kendua in Netrakona, Chawk Bazar in Cumilla, Daina union in Tangail, Gauripur in Mymensingh, Ramganj in Lakshmipur, Chandipur in Barguna's Galachipa, Bhanga in Faridpur, Sreepur in Sherpur, Aditmari in Lalmonirhat, Sujanagar in Pabna, Boro Vita in Kishoreganj, Nilphamari, Bakerganj in Barisal, and Bottola in Chapainawabganj. However, we have learned that law enforcement agencies responded promptly to these incidents," Jayanta said.

Here it may be noted that incidents such as those listed above are quite common every year around puja, and cannot in any way be tied to August 5th. Bringing an end to them calls for awakening our enlightened selves, and what Jayanta described as the illuminated spirit of the state and collective social resistance.