Thousands of tourists, devotees and worshippers have gathered at Cox’s Bazar sea beach for the immersion of Durga idols on the occasion of Bijoya Dashami, turning Laboni Point into a festive gathering.
The country’s largest idol immersion ceremony began at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, with a four-tier security arrangement in place across the beach.
People began arriving at different points along the beach in the morning to witness the ceremony, with crowds growing as the afternoon progressed.
Tourists from different parts of the country joined local residents and devotees for the occasion.
District police, tourist police, the navy and lifeguards are on duty to ensure the ceremony proceeds safely and smoothly.
Special security measures have been introduced at several points along the beach to protect tourists and devotees.
This year, Durga Puja was celebrated at 324 mandaps across Cox’s Bazar district, including 154 venues featuring idols and 170 hosting ghat puja rituals.
The number of mandaps increased by six from last year.
Lifeguards are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance along the beach to ensure the safety of tourists and devotees during the immersion ceremony, particularly those entering the sea.
Zainal Abedin, senior lifeguard at Cox’s Bazar sea beach, said lifeguards were closely monitoring the beach to prevent accidents involving people bathing in the sea.
They were also taking special precautions to ensure the festival proceeded safely and without disruption.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
