The Hindu community observed Mohashtami and Kumari Puja on Wednesday as a part of Durga Puja, the biggest annual religious festival of the community, beginning on Monday across the country.

Kumari Puaj, the rite of making offerings to a young girl who represents the goddess Durga rather than to an icon on Mahashtami or the eighth day of the Puja.

A six-year-old girl is selected to represent Durga at Ramkrishna Mission and placed in the goddess` seat.

Hindu scripture allows girls aged between one year and 16 years to be a model of the goddess Durga during the rite.

On the the Kumari was given a bath, adorned with new clothes, and decorated with flower garlands, ornaments and cosmetics before being presented before devotees.

Mohanabami Puja and Bijoya Dashami on Thursday, the ninth of moon.

Dashami, the last day of Durga Puja when Hindus bid farewell to the Goddess and greet each other Bijaya or victory ends with immersion of the idols of goddess Durga in water bodies.

The Mohanabami and Bijoya Dashami this year falls on the same day, but immersion of idols will take place on Friday.

President Md Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Raushan Ershad in separate messages have greeted the Hindus on the occasion.

Thursday (Oct 22) is the public holiday on the occasion of Durga Puja.