Durga Puja through the eyes of Bangladesh's entertainment stars
Speaking to the media recently, Apu said she would remain in Dhaka during the Puja holidays. Although she has no special plans for the occasion, she expressed hope that this year’s celebrations would bring happiness to everyone and preserve the festive spirit.
As Hindus across Bangladesh celebrate Durga Puja, several celebrities from the country's entertainment industry have shared glimpses of their festive moments, personal memories and wishes for the occasion on social media.
Actress Bidya Sinha Saha Mim welcomed the festival with her husband, Sony Poddar, and other family members. On Maha Shashthi, the actress shared photographs on Instagram capturing joyful moments with her loved ones, accompanied by the caption "Shubho Shashthi".
The photographs offered fans a glimpse of Mim's family celebrations as she joined in the festive spirit at the beginning of the five-day festival.
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Meanwhile, actress Puja Chery has been busy visiting different Puja mandaps, sharing photographs taken in front of Durga idols with her followers.
On Maha Saptami, she posted a message highlighting the strength and resilience of women, writing, "The goddess is not only in the idol, but also in every woman's courage, every protest and every story of rising again".
Wishing for a festive atmosphere filled with light and flowers, Puja also expressed hope that the blessings of the goddess would bring peace to every weary heart.
For actress Apu Biswas, however, the festival carries a more subdued emotional note. Having lost her mother several years ago, the actress has found the celebrations less joyful than they once were.
Speaking to the media recently, Apu said she would remain in Dhaka during the Puja holidays. Although she has no special plans for the occasion, she expressed hope that this year's celebrations would bring happiness to everyone and preserve the festive spirit.
Actor Manoj Pramanik, who has traditionally spent Durga Puja in his village, will also remain in Dhaka this year because of shooting commitments.
Despite attending school, college and university before moving to Dhaka for work, Manoj said he had always returned to his village for the festival, making the rural celebrations an integral part of his childhood memories. He said many of his childhood Puja traditions remain unchanged, including spending time with relatives, visiting mandaps and enjoying festive food, particularly naru, a traditional sweet.
Manoj, who grew up witnessing the inclusive nature of Durga Puja, recalled cultural programmes, jatra performances and community-organised celebrations that brought together people from different backgrounds. He extended his Sharadiya greetings to everyone.
Actress Pori Moni, despite being a Muslim, has also drawn attention on social media with a special look inspired by Goddess Durga.
On Sunday, she shared a video on her Facebook page featuring herself in a traditional white sari with a red border, an ornate crown and a lotus in her hand. The styling evoked the familiar imagery of the goddess and drew praise from social media users.
Captioning the video, Pori Moni wrote, "May good triumph over evil".
Director Chayanika Chowdhury was among those who shared and praised Pori Moni's festive look on Facebook.
Extending her own wishes for the occasion, Chayanika wrote, "Shubho Maha Saptami… May everyone's life be easy and beautiful".
From family gatherings and visits to Puja mandaps to nostalgic memories of celebrations in the countryside and creative tributes to the goddess, the stars' posts have reflected different ways of embracing the spirit of Durga Puja.
