Durga Puja fell this year (like last) just a few days before Eid al Adha, this is coincidence as they use a different calendar.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durga_Puja
There are only about 8% Hindu in Bangladesh, but with a population of 160 million that is still 13 million. Well over 1 million in Dhaka.
The main temple is in Old Dhaka, but there is a special 'castle' set up very close to us in Banani.
The festival does not only see Hindu's many people just come to have a look.
Like many festivals the goal is to eat, drink and have your picture taken, after that you 'hang' to be seen.
Inside the Puja Mandap
On the last day the statues from several place all over Dhaka are brought to the river. This is done in trucks full of people. There are trucks with music installations and very loud music and everyone seems to dance.
Some short films
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durga_Puja
There are only about 8% Hindu in Bangladesh, but with a population of 160 million that is still 13 million. Well over 1 million in Dhaka.
The main temple is in Old Dhaka, but there is a special 'castle' set up very close to us in Banani.
The festival does not only see Hindu's many people just come to have a look.
Like many festivals the goal is to eat, drink and have your picture taken, after that you 'hang' to be seen.
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| The street is decorated with lots of lights |
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| Outside a girl is playing with the bubles that are on sale |
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| Sweets for offering |
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| Just a cute boy |
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| You could mistake it for a Disney castle |
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| There is a stage for some performances |
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| Where there is a party there are snacks. Fuchka is a popular choise |
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| The main statue in the middle of the god defeating the demon |
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| At the side of Durga her children, among which Ganesha the elephant god |
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| For some reason many chairs to sit and watch the statues |
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| Drums are part of the festival |
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| A holy man assists with the offerings (sweet, money) |
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| There is a lot of security, sorry I mean there are a lot of police (wo)men |
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| Doing what policemen do best |
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| The man that blesses (for a fee) |
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| Of course some body paint |
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| Cooking behind the scenes, for offering and probably for the security and organisers |
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| And of course a lot of posing for pictures, see my other blogpost |
On the last day the statues from several place all over Dhaka are brought to the river. This is done in trucks full of people. There are trucks with music installations and very loud music and everyone seems to dance.
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| The first bit is quick as the streets are empty on this Friday before Eid |
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| Girls are posing |
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| Boys are posing in their own way |
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| At the essembly point for the trucks there is time for an icecream |
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| Even I can see that the dresses are different from different part of town (read poorer or richer) |
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| A lot of incense is burnt as well |
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| Different dress again, the saris somehow tied at the waist, practical |
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| Public, everyone watches and enjoys |
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| TV interview |
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| Married women put Sindoor (paint) on each others face |
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| Policemen lead the parade |
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| Don't worry: it's a wig |
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| Not everyone is happy |
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| And police close the parade |
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| Happy by-stander |
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| Photo-bombing guy |
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| Notice the small head peeking |
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| It gets very crowded in Old Dhaka |
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| That is paint, not blood, and yes it is sweaty weather |
Some short films
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