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Thousands of colourful lights illuminated the brilliantly decorated mandaps of Magura town in the evenings for the past couple of days as residents and visitors prepared for the five-day-long observance of Kartiany Puja, starting today (Monday).
Locals and visitors from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka as well as other religious communities were thronging Magura district for the puja, festivities of which surpasses the Durga Puja -- the largest Sanatani festival in Bangladesh -- in the district.
Kartiany Puja is similar to the observance of Durga Puja, during which different Gods and Goddesses of Hinduism are worshipped, but it is held in the Bengali month of Kartik. A month long fair will also be held in the district as part of the celebrations.
A total of 93 mandaps have been set up to observe the puja in the district, with seven located in Magura town and are named after Notun Bazar, Jamrul Tala, Bat Tala, Nanduali, Boddi Bari, Parnanduali and Tatipara areas. The mandaps at Parnanduali and Tatipara feature the most captivating decorations, while hundreds of visually appealing gates have been erected throughout the town.
Marking the advent of the celebrations, men and women alike participated in procession until late at night in the past two days, as the law enforcers have been on the watch to prevent any untoward situation.
In a demonstration of communal harmony, youths from the Muslim community have been volunteering to maintain law and order at the mandaps. Many of them are also expected to participate in the main celebrations.
Some 67 years ago, fisherman Shatish of Nanduali village in Magura Sadar Upazila observed Kartiany Puja for the first time in the district. Now the observance has turned into a rich cultural tradition.
Mazharul Hoque Lipu, assistant professor of sociology at Nakol Sammiloni Degree College in Magura, said they are proud of the glorious heritage of Kartiany Puja. He added that the festivity of its observance has becoming prominent by the year.
When reached for comment, Advocate Proddut Kamar Shingha, president of Magura district Puja Udjapan Parishad, said they are proud that the puja is being observed for years with "immense festivity."
He also expressed gratitude to everyone, especially to the administration, for their cooperation to help observe the puja this year.
Magura Superintendent of Police Mina Mahamuda said they have completed taking all measures to maintain law and order during the Kartiany festival.
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