President Mohammed Shahabuddin greeted the people of the Hindu community today (8 October) on the occasion of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bangalee Hindu community, starting tomorrow (9 October).
“On the occasion of the Sharadiya Durgotsab [the annual five-day of Sharadiya Durgotsab], I extend my sincere greetings to all Hindus. Celebrating Durga Puja with proper enthusiasm and various programs across the country is a unique example of our communal harmony,” he said in a message on the eve of Durga Puja.
He said Durga Puja, the main religious festival of the Hindu community, is intertwined with Bengali traditions and culture. The Hindu community of this country has been celebrating Durga Puja with great enthusiasm and a festive atmosphere for a long time.
The president said that Durga Puja is a religious and social festival because people from all walks of life come together to celebrate this joyous festival.
He said Durga Puja plays an important role in creating mutual solidarity and unity among the country’s people, along with religious festivals.
He hoped this festival would become radiant with the light of truth and beauty.
“I wish that the bonds of harmony and amity among all, irrespective of caste and religion, should be more consolidated,” he added.
“Communal harmony is the eternal tradition of Bengalis. We have to be more proactive to carry forward this tradition collectively,” he hoped.
Ahead of the Sharadiya Durgotsab, he also called upon all to stand by flood-affected people and rehabilitate them.
The president believed that the non-communal spirit, mutual unity, amity and harmony inherent in the current Bengali culture will contribute effectively to the formation of a beautiful future and modern Bangladesh.
