Khulna: Durga Puja, the five-day religious festival celebrated by the Hindu community, concluded in Khulna city and its nine upazilas with the immersion of idols carried out with religious fervor and solemnity last night.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the festival this year was marked by immense enthusiasm and festivities, with religious rituals taking place at a record number of puja mandaps throughout the city and district. Thousands of devotees participated in the celebrations, which culminated with the processions moving towards the Bhairab, Rupsha, Kazibacha, and Kopotakha rivers, as well as local ponds and canals, for the traditional immersion of the idols. The processions were vibrant, featuring dancing and singing of 'kirton'.
The festivities also saw hundreds of female devotees gathering at the puja mandaps on Bijoya Dashami to take a last look at Goddess Durga and seek her blessings. The rituals included the application of 'sindur' (vermilion) and the offering of sweets to their mothers. This year, a record 981 mandaps were established across the city and district, supported by government aid which included the distribution of approximately 465.5 tonnes of rice to the mandap authorities.
The Khulna City Corporation (KCC) also contributed financially, distributing Tk 6.85 lakh among 76 mandaps in the city. Throughout the festival, law enforcement agencies provided round-the-clock security, especially during the Shuvo Bijoya Dashami processions, ensuring the safety of participants and observers.
Proshanto Kumar Kundu, the General Secretary of the city unit Puja Udjapon Parishad, expressed his gratitude to local authorities for their efforts in maintaining security and providing uninterrupted power supply during the celebrations. He also thanked the government for their support in facilitating a vibrant and secure celebration of Durga Puja.
The festival, which began on September 28 with the Bodhan (enlightenment) ceremony, concluded with the immersion of idols from all mandaps, each of which was beautifully decorated and illuminated, adding to the festive atmosphere throughout the city and district.