Dhaka, Oct 02 (V7N) – The grand Sharadiya Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Bengali Hindu community, concluded on Thursday with the ritual immersion of idols in rivers, ponds, and other water bodies across the country.

In the capital, idol immersion commenced at 10 ghats along the Buriganga, Shitalakshya, and Turag rivers, with law enforcement agencies deployed to ensure smooth and safe celebrations. Devotees thronged the immersion sites, offering heartfelt prayers and bidding farewell to Goddess Durga.

Similar scenes were observed at Patenga sea beach in Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar, where devotees celebrated with joy and devotion. Immersion ceremonies are also underway in districts including Rajshahi, Sylhet, Rangamati, and Khulna. No accidents or chaos have been reported so far.

Earlier in the day, devotees participated in Anjali rituals at the puja pavilions, praying for relief from illnesses, sorrows, and hardships. The Dashami rituals culminated with immersion of mirrors and ceremonial pots, followed by Sindoor Khela, where devotees welcomed the Goddess and played vermilion. The processions to immersion sites were accompanied by the sounds of drums, flutes, and conch shells, creating a vibrant and devotional atmosphere.

According to Hindu beliefs, Goddess Durga leaves her celestial abode of Kailash each autumn to visit the mortal world as a daughter. The festival spans five days, from Mahasaptami to Vijaya Dashami, and ends with the Goddess’s return to Kailash through the immersion of her idol.

END/SMA/AJ