Dhaka, Oct 13 (V7N) — The grand Sharidiya Durgotsava, the most significant festival for Bengali Sanatan believers, will conclude today with the immersion of Goddess Durga’s idols. As part of the final day’s rituals, devotees will gather at mandapas to celebrate Sindur Khela, offering vermilion to the goddess, followed by aarti and processions to bid her farewell.

Bijoya Dashami brings both joy and sadness, as devotees say goodbye to Goddess Durga, who will return only next autumn. The sound of dhak and kansar will resonate for the last time this year, marking the end of the five-day celebration.

Across the country, local arrangements will facilitate the immersion ceremonies. In Dhaka, the central Vijaya procession will commence from the Dhakeshwari National Temple in the afternoon. Idols from various mandapas in the capital will join this grand parade, with the final immersion taking place at Wiseghat on the Buriganga River near Sadarghat Terminal. Devotees will perform the Shantijal ritual after the immersion.

According to tradition, Goddess Durga leaves her celestial abode at Mount Kailash to visit the mortal world during this time each year. The festival spans from the sixth to the tenth tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin, beginning with Mahalaya, which this year fell on October 2.

Although the primary worship rituals ended on Saturday, today’s events—Sindur Khela, idol worship, and the immersion—will formally conclude the festivities.

Extensive Security Measures in Dhaka

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has implemented extensive security arrangements for the Vijaya procession and idol immersions. Three control rooms have been established at Dhakeshwari National Temple, Palashi Mor, and Bahadur Shah Park, and three watchtowers have been erected at Palashi Mor, Roy Saheb Bazar, and Wiseghat.

The planned procession route will pass through major landmarks, including Dhakeshwari Temple, Jagannath Hall, the Central Shaheed Minar, and Sadarghat Terminal.

DMP officials have urged participants to adhere to the designated route and schedule. Traffic police will be on duty along the procession route to manage movement and ensure public safety. The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed that all immersion activities be completed by 7:00 PM.

As the final rituals unfold, devotees prepare to say goodbye to Goddess Durga with both reverence and hope, looking forward to her return next year.

END/MSS/AJ