Today our adventures took us to Panam City, historically know as Sonargaon (meaning city of gold) . This sites history goes back to the 12th century when Muslims first settled this region in the delta of the Ganges River. It has a varied and rich history of rule by differing factions of Muslim leaders up until the era of British rule in the late 19th century. At this point it became known as Panam City. During British rule, Panam became a center for the trading of cotton and fabrics. The merchants build their stately homes in the colonial style. Today many of the buildings are fallen into ruin. This site remains open to the public and weavers still use looms to hand make fabrics which are for sale throughout the old city. After leaving Panam City, we visited various temples built to honor the Goddess Durga. In Hinduism, Durga is believed to be the mother of the universe and the power behind all creation. In the Bengal region, she is the most celebrated of the Gods and Goddesses. Hindus believe that Durga protects them from the evils of the world and removes all their miseries. | Durga is depicted as having eight to ten hands, which represent the eight quadrants of Hinduism. Durga has three eyes: the left representing desire (the moon), the right eye, action (the sun), and the central eye knowledge (or fire). She is seen riding a lion, representing will, power and determination. The things one must possess to get past the demon ego. |
In the Muslim calendar, today marks the beginning of Ramadan. A month long fast from dawn to dusk, meant to bring one closer to God. The fasting is an exercise in restraint; physically (food, drink, smoking), and spiritually (daily prayer to God).