The country’s largest Durga idol immersion took place at the Laboni Point of Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach, where 180 idols were immersed together in the waves of the Bay of Bengal.
With the immersion, devotees bid farewell to Goddess Durga on the fifth day, marking the end of the four-day festivities.
Accompanied by rhythmic beats of drums, colorful processions, and vibrant celebrations, members of the Sanatan community joyfully sent off Mahishasuramardini — the destroyer of evil — in a festive display of devotion and unity.
The grand event was held on Thursday (October 2) afternoon at the open stage of Laboni Point amid drizzling weather.
The ceremony was presided over by Uday Shankar Pal Mithu, acting president of the Cox’s Bazar District Puja Celebration Committee, and conducted by acting general secretary Swapon Das. Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md Abdul Mannan attended as the chief guest. Among others who spoke were Police Superintendent Mohammad Saifuddin Shaheen, former BNP lawmakers Lutfor Rahman Kajol and Alomgir Muhammad Mahfuzullah Farid, district BNP general secretary Advocate Shamim Ara Swapna, Cox’s Bazar city Jamaat chief Abdullah Al Faruq, and former municipal mayor Sarwar Kamal.
Speakers remarked that the vast sandy shore of Cox’s Bazar, filled with people of all faiths on this day of idol immersion, stands as a powerful symbol of harmony, inclusiveness, and interfaith beauty.
They emphasized the need to uphold and strengthen the enduring bond of communal harmony that defines Cox’s Bazar.
Members of the army, BGB, police, and RAB deployed across the beach from the morning to ensure tight security.
A coordinated control room was also set up by the district administration to provide emergency assistance, while the navy, coast guard, and lifeguards remained vigilant to prevent accidents during bathing.
Idols from temples and mandaps across different upazilas of the district were brought to the beach on trucks. In addition, idols from Lama and Naikhongchhari upazilas of neighboring Bandarban district were also brought for immersion at the sea. Meanwhile, idols from Chakaria and Pekua were immersed in the Matamuhuri River, while Maheshkhali, Kutubdia, and Teknaf upazilas also held their respective immersion ceremonies locally.
Cox’s Bazar District Puja Celebration Committee president Uday Shankar Pal Mithu said,
“Durga Puja has been celebrated peacefully across the district this year. We sincerely thank the administration for their support.”
This year, Durga Puja was observed at 317 mandaps in the district, including 152 idol worship (Protima Puja) and 165 pot worship (Ghot Puja).
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
