The grand religious festival of the Hindu community, Sharadiya Durga Puja, concluded on Wednesday with idol immersions in the Matamuhuri River in Chakaria and at Cox's Bazar Sea Beach, accompanied by special prayers, floral offerings, and various traditional rituals on Shubho Bijoya Dashami. From Wednesday morning, final-day rituals took place across various Puja pandals to bid farewell to Goddess Durga. Following daylong worship, prayers, Sindur Khela (vermilion ritual), and exchange of greetings, the six-day festival came to an end with the solemn immersion of idols.
Similar to the rest of the country, a deep religious atmosphere and festive fervor prevailed across Cox's Bazar and its various upazilas on Bijoya Dashami. Local Puja celebration committees organized their programs and immersion schedules in accordance with decisions made by local organizers.
On the morning of Bijoya Dashami, special Dashami Pujas were held across all mandaps. Devotees offered floral tributes at the feet of Goddess Durga, praying for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of their families, society, and the nation. Following the ritual worship, the customary Darpan Bisarjan (mirror immersion ritual) and devotional send-offs were performed. According to Hindu belief, the Goddess arrives on Mahalaya and returns to Mount Kailash on Bijoya Dashami after days of devotion, making the occasion a mix of joy and emotional farewell for devotees.
One of the main attractions of Bijoya Dashami was Sindur Khela. Dressed in traditional attire, married women offered vermilion to Goddess Durga and applied it on each other’s foreheads, exchanging best wishes for the long life, peace, and prosperity of their families. The beating of dhak drums, blowing of conch shells, and ululations created an emotional atmosphere at the pandals.
The primary highlight of the day was the idol immersion. Following the completion of rituals, idols from various pandals were carried in processions to rivers, ponds, and designated water bodies for immersion. For the community, the significance of the day extends beyond the physical immersion of idols, symbolizing the inner triumph of good over evil, righteousness over hatred, and humanity over malice.
Durga Puja in Bangladesh continues to reflect a rich tradition of communal harmony and mutual respect. On the auspicious occasion of Bijoya Dashami, hope was expressed for the further strengthening of peace, harmony, and mutual respect among people of all faiths across the country. With the farewell to Goddess Durga, the year-long wait begins anew for devotees.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Md. Saidul Haque Chowdhury, Cox's Bazar Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
