National

Maha Ashtami and Kumari Puja Being Observed Today

THT Report • October 19, 2026

Monday (October 19) marks Maha Ashtami, one of the most important days of the Sharadiya Durga Puja. Worship of Goddess Durga began at dawn with Kalparambha, prescribed rituals and recitations from the Chandi. Devotees will participate in puja, offer floral tributes and observe various religious rituals at temples throughout the day.

A major attraction of Maha Ashtami is Kumari Puja, in which a young girl is worshipped as a living symbol of Goddess Durga to honour feminine power. According to Hindu tradition, devotees regard the girl as a manifestation of the Divine Mother and seek her blessings after the ceremony.

Sandhi Puja, another important ritual, is performed at the transition between Ashtami and Navami. It commemorates Goddess Durga assuming the form of Chamunda to defeat the demons Chanda and Munda.

Devotees will offer flowers and bel leaves at the feet of the goddess while reciting prayers. Mahaprasad will also be distributed after worship at temples across Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh.