Ashtami in Bangladesh

When did the Ashtami in Bangladesh start?

The first recorded date of Ashtami in Bangladesh being celebrated on October 22 was in the year 1962.

About Ashtami in Bangladesh Holiday

Welcome to beautiful Ashtami, Bangladesh! Ashtami is a glorious occasion celebrated by both Hindus and Buddhists in Bangladesh. The citizens of Bangladesh have celebrated Ashtami for centuries, and the devotion of the people of Bangladesh continues to this day.

Ashtami marks the birthday of the Hindu God, Lord Krishna, and the celebration lasts for eight days. During this time, people of Bangladesh observe special rituals and traditions, pray together and worship God, and exchange gifts. There are also music and dance performances, decorated pandals, and special meals shared with friends and family.

Every year, millions of people travel to Bangladesh to join in the celebration of Ashtami. If you're visiting Ashtami, you should know that the beauty and sacredness of this event is sure to leave you with wondrous memories for years to come. So go out and join in the festivities, be it in the festivities of the streets bustling with tradition or in a pandal offering your prayers to Lord Krishna – embrace the festivities of Ashtami, Bangladesh!

Ashtami in Bangladesh: A Cultural Celebration

Ashtami, meaning “the eighth day” in Bengali, is a significant religious holiday in the South Asian country of Bangladesh. It is dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Durga and is celebrated on the 8th day of the Hindu month of Ashvin (September-October). This day marks the culmination of the nine-day long festival of Durga Puja, also known as Navratri, where devotees offer prayers, adorn the Goddess with flowers and perform rituals to seek her blessings. Ashtami is a time of joy, unity, and devotion for the Bangladeshi people and is an integral part of their cultural identity.

Key Takeaways:

• Ashtami is a highly revered religious holiday in Bangladesh that celebrates the Goddess Durga and the victory of good over evil.
• The holiday is a part of the nine-day festival of Durga Puja, where devotees pray, perform rituals and offer offerings to the Goddess.
• Ashtami is a time of unity, joy, and devotion for the Bangladeshi people, who celebrate the holiday with great enthusiasm and zeal.

History and Origin:

The origins of Ashtami can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology, where the Goddess Durga is believed to have fought and defeated the demon Mahishasura on this day. The victory of good over evil is a recurring theme in Hindu mythology, and Ashtami symbolizes the triumph of good over the evil forces that threaten to disrupt the balance in the universe.

The earliest recordings of Durga Puja in Bengal date back to the 16th century when the Mughal ruler, Emperor Akbar, first introduced the festival as a royal practice. Over the years, the festival gained immense popularity and evolved into a community celebration, with each village or neighborhood building a pandal (temporary structure) to worship the Goddess.

Historical Context:

Throughout history, Ashtami has played a significant role in shaping the cultural fabric of Bangladesh. Under British rule, Durga Puja emerged as a symbol of Hindu identity and became an important medium of political expression amongst the Bengali community. It was during this time that the famous Durga Puja processions or ‘Barowari Puja’ took off, where different neighborhoods come together to organize the festivities.

Today, Durga Puja is a grand celebration that brings together people of all faiths and backgrounds in Bangladesh. The holiday holds great cultural and religious significance, and its observance has become a matter of pride for the people, who take great pride in showcasing their rich cultural heritage to the world.

Significance and Meaning:

Ashtami holds immense cultural and religious importance for the people of Bangladesh. It is a time for introspection, devotion, and spiritual connection, as people strive to seek the blessings of the Goddess Durga. The holiday also symbolizes the victory of good over evil, reaffirming the values and beliefs of the Bangladeshi people and reinforcing a sense of unity and harmony amongst all.

Cultural Significance:

The celebration of Ashtami is steeped in traditional elements, with deep symbolic meanings. Throughout the day, devotees offer prayers, chant mantras, and perform rituals to honor the fierce yet benevolent form of the Goddess Durga. The pandals, or temporary structures, are adorned with intricate designs and decorations, showcasing the creativity and artistic skills of the local community.

The Durga Puja celebrations also feature a variety of cultural programs and events, including plays, dance performances, and music shows, providing a platform for local talent to showcase their skills. The holiday brings people together, fostering a sense of community and belonging that is deeply ingrained in the culture of Bangladesh.

Symbols and Decorations:

The pandals and idols showcasing the Goddess Durga and her various avatars are the main elements of the Ashtami celebration. The idol of the Goddess is adorned with colorful sarees, jewels, and flowers, and is a sight to behold. The idols of her children Ganesha, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Kartikeya are also worshipped and decorated with great detail and care.

The pandals are also beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, and intricate designs, and often depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The intricate decorations and colorful lighting add to the festive spirit and create a surreal ambience, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the country.

Traditions and Celebrations:

The celebration of Ashtami is rich in traditions and customs that hold a special place in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people. The day begins with devotees offering prayers and performing rituals to invoke the blessings of the Goddess Durga. The day is marked by fasting, chanting of mantras, and visiting various pandals to seek blessings from the Goddess.

One of the most unique traditions of Ashtami is the ‘Kumari Puja,’ where a young girl, representing the Goddess Durga, is worshipped. The young girl, dressed in traditional attire, is adorned with flowers and jewels and is believed to embody the pure and divine energy of the Goddess.

Food and Cuisine:

The celebration of Ashtami is incomplete without the traditional dishes and sweets that are an essential part of the holiday. Some of the most popular dishes served during Durga Puja include luchi (fried flatbread), chingri malai curry (coconut prawn curry), and payesh (rice pudding), among others.

One of the most iconic dishes associated with Ashtami is ‘khichdi,’ a savory and mildly spiced rice and lentil dish that is served as a prasad (offering) to the Goddess. It is said that the dish has immense healing and nourishing properties and is a symbol of good health and auspicious beginnings.

Recipe for Khichdi:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- ½ cup yellow lentils
- ½ cup diced vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas, etc.)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
- Salt to taste

Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and lentils together and soak them in water for 30 minutes.
2. Drain the water and set aside.
3. In a large pot, heat ghee and add cumin seeds. Wait for them to sizzle.
4. Add onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté until onions turn translucent.
5. Add the diced vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Mix in the drained rice and lentils, followed by turmeric powder and salt.
7. Add 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
8. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are cooked and the water has been absorbed.
9. Serve hot with your favorite side dish. Enjoy!

Attire and Costumes:

The traditional attire worn during Ashtami is similar to the one worn during other Hindu festivals in Bangladesh. Women wear sarees or colorful salwar kameez and men opt for the traditional dhoti kurta or kurta pajama. The colors of the clothes vary, but vibrant hues of red, yellow, and green are commonly seen during the celebrations.

Music and Songs:

Traditional music and songs play a significant role in the celebration of Ashtami. Devotional songs are sang in praise of the Goddess, and traditional musical instruments such as the dhol (drum), the shankh (conch shell), and the harmonium are played during the rituals and ceremonies.

The famous Bengali folk song “Holudia Pakhi” is often associated with Durga Puja and is sung by devotees during the festivities. The lyrics of the song are symbolic of the joy and happiness that the holiday brings, and it is a popular choice for cultural programs and performances during Ashtami.

Geographical Spread:

Ashtami is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm throughout Bangladesh, with each region having its unique way of celebrating the holiday. The capital city of Dhaka is known for its grand and elaborate Durga Puja pandals, which attract thousands of visitors every year. Other cities such as Chittagong, Khulna, and Rajshahi also have notable celebrations, with large pandals, cultural programs, and street markets.

While the holiday is predominantly celebrated by the Hindu community, the celebrations have transcended religious boundaries, with people of all faiths and backgrounds coming together to partake in the festivities.

Modern-Day Observations:

As the world continues to evolve rapidly, the celebration of Ashtami has also seen some modern adaptations, with several technological and environmental aspects introduced to the holiday. In recent years, the use of eco-friendly materials for pandal decorations and idols have gained widespread popularity, promoting sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices.

Additionally, social media and online platforms have also played a major role in bringing the community together and spreading the message of unity and cultural harmony to a global audience. Live streaming of the puja ceremonies, virtual tours of the pandals, and sharing of photos and videos on social media have become common practices during the holiday, providing a glimpse of the vibrant celebrations to people all over the world.

Interesting Facts and Trivia:

1. The first Durga Puja in Bengal was celebrated in the 16th century at the Rajbari (palace) of Nava Durga, which is now in Malda District of West Bengal.

2. The world’s largest Durga Puja pandal, with a height of 286 feet, was built in the city of Kolkata in 2015.

3. The idol of Goddess Durga is sculpted using clay collected from the banks of the river Ganges, believed to have divine properties and blessings.

4. Apart from Bangladesh, Ashtami is also celebrated in other countries such as India, Nepal, and Trinidad and Tobago.

5. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebration of Ashtami in Bangladesh was significantly impacted, with many pandals opting for virtual festivities and minimal gatherings to ensure the safety of the community.

Legends and Myths:

Legend has it that on the day of Ashtami, Goddess Durga descended to earth and fought and defeated the evil demon Mahishasura, marking the victory of good over evil. Another popular story associated with the holiday is the legend of the origin of the Goddess Durga, where the Gods and Goddesses bestowed her with their divine powers and weapons to help her defeat Mahishasura.

One of the most famous folktales associated with Ashtami is the story of ‘Mayer Paya,’ which symbolizes the bond between a mother and her children. The story is said to have originated during the Mughal rule in Bengal, where the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb killed the Hindu king and his wife, leaving their young son alone to fend for himself. On the day of Ashtami, the Goddess Durga appeared before the young prince and fed him with her own offerings, known as ‘payas,’ giving him the strength and determination to avenge his parents’ death and reclaim his throne.

Social and Economic Impact:

Ashtami has a significant social and economic impact on Bangladesh, with its observance affecting businesses, travel, and the overall community. The holiday is a symbol of cultural unity and promotes tourism, drawing in thousands of visitors both from within the country and abroad.

Economic Impact:

The celebration of Ashtami boosts the economy by generating employment opportunities for local artists, craftsmen, and businesses. The demand for local goods and services increases during the holiday, providing a much-needed boost to the local market. The sale of traditional foods, clothing, and handicrafts also sees a significant rise during the festive season.

The government also works towards promoting the holiday as a tourist attraction, providing necessary infrastructure and facilities, boosting the hospitality industry and promoting cultural exchange.

Environmental Aspect:

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the environmental impact of the Durga Puja celebrations. In response, several initiatives have been taken to make the holiday more sustainable and eco-friendly. These include promoting eco-friendly idols made from clay and natural colors, using energy-efficient lighting, and minimizing the use of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials.

The government has also taken steps to ensure proper waste management during the festivities, with volunteers and NGOs organizing cleanup drives post-celebrations to preserve the environment and maintain the sanctity of holy rivers and water bodies.

Tourist Guide for Ashtami Holiday in Bangladesh

Introduction

Ashtami is a significant religious festival observed primarily by the Hindu community in Bangladesh. It marks the eighth day of the Durga Puja festival and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. This guide aims to provide tourists with essential information to make the most out of their Ashtami experience in Bangladesh.

Best Time to Visit

• Date: Ashtami usually falls in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar.
• Season: Autumn is the best time to visit, as the weather is pleasant.

Key Locations

1. Dhaka: The capital city has numerous temples and large-scale celebrations.
2. Chittagong: Known for its scenic beauty and temples.
3. Sylhet: Famous for its tea gardens and spiritual sites.

Must-Visit Temples

1. Dhakeshwari Temple, Dhaka
2. Kantaji Temple, Dinajpur
3. Chandranath Temple, Chittagong

Activities

1. Temple Hopping: Visit various temples to witness the rituals.
2. Cultural Programs: Enjoy traditional dances and music.
3. Street Food: Try local delicacies like “Puchka” and “Jhalmuri.”

Dress Code

• Men: Casual or traditional wear like Panjabi-Pajama.
• Women: Saree or Salwar Kameez is preferred.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do show respect to the religious rituals.
• Don’t take photographs inside the temples without permission.

Travel Tips

1. Transport: Rickshaws and CNG auto-rickshaws are readily available.
2. Accommodation: Book hotels in advance due to high demand.
3. Safety: Always keep your belongings secure.

Language Tips

• Hello: Namaskar
• Thank You: Dhanyabad
• Yes: Haan
• No: Na

Emergency Contacts

• Police: 999
• Ambulance: 199
• Tourist Helpline: +880 (2) 9848392

How to Say "Ashtami in Bangladesh" In Different Languages?