It's that time of the year when Dhaka comes alive with vibrant colours and the infectious energy of Durga Puja. As always, the festival takes on a vibrant and enchanting form with beautifully decorated puja mandaps gracing the cityscape. So, let us present you with a glimpse into Dhaka's 5 most splendid Durga Puja mandaps, where tradition, art, and devotion converge to create a dazzling spectacle.

Everyone talks about food during pujo. More often than not, khichuri, polao, ilish, chingri and mangsho tends to land leading roles in these discussions with luchi, and cholar dal playing solid supporting roles. And of course, beyond all this there are sweets. Artful, creative, delicate, yet honest to god mishti. Sandesh, kamolabhog, chandrapuli, narkel naru… the list can go on.

It all starts with Kathamo Puja or Khuti Puja, a customary ritual to celebrate the day when the idol artisan starts off the sculpting process. It formally initiates the festivities as well as the preparation for the 5-day carnival.

Two people, including a woman, sustained bullet injuries after a gang of local criminals opened fire in Chittagong city's Nandankanun during Durga Puja celebrations early yesterday.