Durga Puja celebrations begin across India, Bangladesh, and the US

Durga Puja celebrations have commenced across India, Bangladesh, and the United States. In West Bengal, Governor RN Ravi inaugurated the ‘Ram Ki Ayodhya’ themed celebrations in Kolkata, organized by the Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad. This event features a large statue of Lord Ram and 3D light animations.

In Bangladesh, the festival began with Maha Sashti, with organizers reporting 33,851 celebrations scheduled nationwide, an increase from the previous year. In the United States, the Bengali cultural association MAitRI is hosting its third annual Durga Puja in Rhode Island, featuring themes of climate resilience and community empathy.

Traditional rituals, including Bodhon and Amantran, mark the beginning of the festivities. In India, devotees are also engaging in customs such as creating alpana floor art and visiting historic ancestral estates for more serene, traditional worship experiences.