Durga Puja festivity ends in Bangladesh with immersion of idols

23 October 2015

Accompanied by the rhythm of drum and married women smearing vermilion on each other, Hindus in Bangladesh have formally announced “goodbye” to goddess Durga (till next year, of course) to mark the end of ten-day festivity with immersion of idols.

The festival, which commenced 10 days ago with “Mahalaya” ritually ended on thursday with immersion of mirrors (Darpan Bisarjan) in temples. The immersion of idols and other rituals like smearing of vermilion, known as Sindoor Khela, however, took place on Friday (Puja Dashami).

According to Hindu belief, Durga defeated the buffalo-demon Mahishasura in a battle. Durga Puja is celebrated to mark her victory. Huge, painted mud and straw statues of the deity are made for the festival. The idol is often cast with ten arms, with each hand clasping a different weapon. The towering height of the statues is intended to indicate the triumph of good over evil. Again, immersion of idols marks the return of goddess Durga with her progenies to Mount Kailash, the heavenly abode of her consort Shiva.

As per the directive of the authorities, immersion started at 2.30pm at Buriganaga’s Wise Ghat.

General Secretary of Mohanagar Sarbojonin Puja Committee Narayan Saha said idols of Dhaka’s 225 puja pandals were being immersed one after another at the ghats.

In Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar, immersion is taking place in the sea. Similarly, immersion is also taking place in other rivers and water bodies across the country.

Trucks carrying idols from puja pandals and temples congregated at Palashir Then, more in the afternoon, from there amidst blowing of conch, ululation, drum beats and playing of music, idols were taken in a procession to the immersion ghats on the banks of Buriganaga.

Devotees on the river banks were seen performing aratis, while priests were chanting mantras as idols were taken on boats for immersion.

Joint Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Krishnapada Roy told journalists that adequate security arrangements were made for a peaceful and hassle-free immersion. No major accident happened this year, as usual in the mostly religiously tolerant country.