Sylhet, Oct 13 (V7N) — The Durga Puja festival came to a grand conclusion in Sylhet today, as Sanatan devotees immersed their idols in the Surma River, marking the end of the largest Hindu celebration of the year. The emotional farewell, marked by the traditional idol immersion, began in the early afternoon as devotees gathered at Chandni Ghat , a major immersion site in the city.

Starting from 2:00 PM, the immersion ceremony officially kicked off, with one idol after another being carried to the river. Amidst chants of "Bolo Durga Mai Ki Jai" and the sound of drums, devotees bid a tearful goodbye to Goddess Durga , who according to Hindu belief, returns to her heavenly abode after visiting the mortal world for five days. The Ministry of Home Affairs set 7:00 PM as the deadline for completing the immersion process, ensuring that the event proceeded in an orderly manner.

In preparation for the large crowds and processions, Sylhet Metropolitan Police arranged tight security around the city. Several specialized units, including riot control and plain-clothed officers, were deployed to oversee the festivities and ensure public safety. The Bijoya Dashami procession, a key element of the immersion ceremony, moved through the streets under the watchful eyes of law enforcement.

The security measures helped to facilitate a peaceful and joyful immersion of the idols, even as the atmosphere was filled with the sadness of farewell.

Earlier in the day, devotees marked Dasami , the final day of Durga Puja, with the traditional Sindur Khela , a ritual where women apply vermilion powder to each other and to the goddess as a symbol of marital bliss. Devotees prayed to Goddess Durga for the defeat of evil forces and for peace and prosperity in their lives and in the world.

According to Hindu mythology, Devi Durga descends from Kailash , her divine home, to visit the mortal world every autumn, symbolizing her role as a daughter. The festival, known as Durgotsava , lasts from the sixth to the tenth day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Ashwin, a month in the Hindu calendar. These five days are filled with prayer, celebration, and worship.

This year, a record number of Durga Pujas were held in Sylhet , with 593 Mandapas (pavilions) hosting the festival across the city and district. According to the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Parishad , 440 Mandapas were set up in the Sylhet district alone, including 408 public and 32 family Pujas. In Sylhet Metropolitan, 153 Mandapas hosted the celebrations, with 136 public and 17 family Pujas.

The immersion of idols in the Surma River marks the emotional conclusion of Durga Puja, as devotees now look forward to next year's festivities, hoping for peace, happiness, and the return of Goddess Durga once again.

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