Cox’s Bazar’s Laboni Point will host what organisers describe as the country’s largest Durga idol immersion ceremony on Wednesday, October 21, marking the end of the Sharadiya Durga Puja celebrations.
Organisers expect around 400,000 to 500,000 devotees and spectators to gather for the Bijoya Dashami event. Extensive security measures have been put in place to ensure the ceremony proceeds smoothly, with members of the district police, tourist police and Armed Police Battalion (APBn) on duty. Joint forces will also be deployed.
According to the Cox’s Bazar district committee of the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council, the district will host 324 mandaps this year. Of these, 154 feature idols, while 170 use sacred pots for worship. The total number of mandaps has increased by six from last year.
Chakaria has the highest number of puja mandaps, with 71. Kutubdia has 44, Ramu 37, Cox’s Bazar Sadar upazila 31, Eidgaon 29, Maheshkhali 28, Cox’s Bazar municipality 26, Chakaria municipality 25, Pekua and Ukhiya 9 each, and Maheshkhali municipality and Teknaf 6 each.
Arup Sharma, member-secretary of the Sharadiya Durga Puja Coordination Committee, told Cox’s Bazar Life that Laboni Point would host the country’s largest idol immersion ceremony. He also claimed that it was the largest such event in Asia.
Sharma said around 148 idols from 60 mandaps in Naikhongchhari, Eidgaon, Ramu, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar Sadar and the municipality were scheduled for immersion on Wednesday. He added that the event might also include idols from the Lama upazila in Bandarban.
Cox’s Bazar Superintendent of Police ANM Sajedur Rahman said authorities had strengthened security for the ceremony. District police, tourist police and APBn members would be deployed, including 250 police personnel at the immersion site alone.
He said traffic management had also been improved on roads used to transport idols from different locations to keep vehicles moving. Necessary arrangements had been made to maintain security and order in view of the expected crowds.
Officials said armed forces personnel will also be deployed at the site.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
File Photo
