The Bodhon ritual opened the first chapter of the five-day religious extravaganza. A festive mood is prevailing among the Hindus, as they will be celebrating the stay of Durga on the earth for the next four days -- with joy and mirth.

Other features of the celebrations are Kumari Puja, Sandhya Puja, Aroti, blood donation and distribution of offerings.

Special prayers will also be offered and processions be brought out in many places on the occasion.

The festival will end on Sunday, with processions and immersion of Durga's image on Bijoya Dashami.

Around 17,000 Puja Mandaps have been set up throughout the country for worship of the goddess. Of them, around 170 Mandaps are in the capital, with the Mahanagar Sarbajaneen Puja Udjapan Committee overseeing the festival.

The main Puja Mandap in the city was set up at Dhakeshwari National Temple. Puja Mandaps have also been erected at Ramkrishna Mission, Ramna Kali Mandir, Siddheswari Kali Mandir, Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University, Tanti Bazar, Shankhari Bazar, Bangla Bazar, Mohakhali and Farmgate.

The government beefed up security and additional police forces have been posted to the larger Puja Mandaps.

However, there were reports of damage to Durga's images by unidentified criminals in Barguna, Patuakhali and Gazipur a few days ago.

The government sent additional forces for safety and security of the Mandaps and people engaged in organising the festival.

Leaders of Bangladesh Krishak League and other socio-political organisations condemned the destruction of images.