‘Ananandamoyir Agomone’: Jagannath Hall Celebrates Mahalaya

The Jagannath Hall Union organised a cultural programme to celebrate Mahalaya, the auspicious occasion that marks the arrival of Goddess Durga. Titled "Anandamoyir Agomomone", the event was held at the Prayer Hall of Jagannath Hall, University of Dhaka. This was the second time such a programme took place, the first having been held shortly after the July Uprising last year.

Professor Debashis Pal, Hall Provost of Jagannath Hall, inaugurated the programme by lighting the mangal prodip. He praised the newly elected hall union for their cooperation and shared his experience of becoming Hall Provost after July 2024, recalling how Mahalaya was celebrated for the first time last year.

Dr Pal said he was approached by the Jagannath Hall Debating Club: "They told me they wanted to do something new in the post-revolutionary period, something different from before. I suggested a cultural programme for Mahalaya."

He added that last year he had promised that if he remained Provost, Mahalaya celebrations would be included in Jagannath Hall's Durga Puja festivities. "The era of a new Bangladesh has begun with this uprising – this Bangladesh belongs to everyone: Hindus, Muslims, Christians, everyone."

The event featured vibrant performances including classical dances, recitals, music, Agamoni Gaan, Chandi Path, Mahishasura Mardini Gitinatya, Dhunuchi Naach, and more. Student performers performed pieces such as "Durge Durge Durgotinashini", "Ogo Amar Agomoni Alo", "Shyama Ma Ki Amar Kalo Re", and "Jaago Tumi Jago".

Newly elected Vice President from the Chatra Dal panel, Pallab Chandra Barman, said, "This is the second time we are celebrating Mahalaya. For the first time, the celebration is being organised by the Hall Union with the cooperation of the Jagannath Hall authority. We have high hopes for this event and are confident we can successfully execute it."

"If we talk about the theme of Mahalaya, it is about Maa's (Goddess Durga's) arrival. Considering the country's social and political climate, there is widespread frustration –        ranging from violence against minorities and persecution of dissent to attacks on mazars. Even a few days ago, when Durga idols were vandalised in Gazipur, the authorities claimed the wind was responsible. What kind of statement is that?" he added.         

"Those of us who have different religions, we thought that our luck will change, but has it really?"

He hopes that this Mahalaya, the demonic forces (Asur) surrounding us will be defeated with the arrival of the Goddess. "We hope that we move forward in the path towards building the Bangladesh we had dreamt of building."

Students and teachers of the university, along with hall staff and others, were present at the event, which was open to the general public.

As the sky darkened yesterday, people of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the Prayer Hall of Jagannath Hall to celebrate the advent of the Goddess. Observed six days before Durga Puja, Mahalaya is celebrated by Hindu devotees across the country with prayers, rituals, and festivities.