Mahalaya on 10 October marked the beginning of Devi Paksha, heralding the arrival of Goddess Durga. With Maha Panchami on 15 October and Maha Shashthi on 16 October, Cox’s Bazar is preparing for a celebration where religious devotion meets the vastness of the sea. Here, Durga Puja is more than a religious occasion; it is an important part of the town’s cultural and economic life.
For Hindu devotees, Durga Puja celebrates the Goddess’s victory over Mahishasur, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. In Cox’s Bazar, this ancient tradition takes on a distinctive character. Prayers mingle with the sound of the waves, while the beach becomes a gathering place for devotees and visitors. The immersion of idols on Vijaya Dashami is especially significant. Against the endless horizon of the Bay of Bengal, the farewell to the Goddess becomes a moving expression of faith and the cycle of arrival and departure.
The festival also reflects the shared cultural life of Cox’s Bazar. Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists gather to witness the celebrations, visit the fair and enjoy the festive atmosphere. These shared experiences strengthen mutual respect and remind us that religious traditions can bring communities together without losing their distinct identities.
Durga Puja also brings economic opportunities to a town heavily dependent on tourism. Holidaymakers generate business for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders and temporary stalls along the beach. For many small businesses, these few days provide valuable income. However, increased demand must not justify inflated prices, poor service or tourist harassment. Fair treatment and genuine hospitality remain essential to Cox’s Bazar’s reputation.
Large gatherings require careful preparation. Local authorities and organisers must ensure security, manage traffic, maintain emergency access and oversee safe immersion arrangements. Effective planning can protect public safety without diminishing the festive atmosphere.
Protecting the marine environment is equally important. Plastic waste, discarded decorations and materials left after immersion can harm the beach and surrounding waters. Designated immersion areas, proper waste collection and prompt clean-up operations must be part of the preparations. Visitors and residents share responsibility for keeping the shoreline clean.
In Cox’s Bazar, Durga Puja brings faith, tourism and civic responsibility together in a setting unlike any other. Its success should be measured not merely by the crowds it attracts or the business it generates, but by the safety of worshippers, the welcome extended to visitors and the respect shown to the sea that makes this celebration so distinctive.
By Salam Abu
Editor
