Rajshahi:The five-day Sharadiya Durga Puja, a prominent religious festival for the Hindu community, concluded today with the immersion of Goddess Durga's idols in the river Padma. The final day of the festival was marked by enthusiastic celebrations and a festive atmosphere.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the conclusion of the festival involved distributing 'Prasad' and sweets among devotees and visitors from other communities at the Puja Mandaps. Women devotees celebrated Bijoya Dashami by applying vermillion (Sindur) on the forehead of the Goddess and among themselves, reflecting the joyous and festive mood.
The idols were transported to the river Padma, as well as ponds, canals, and other water bodies, for immersion. This was accompanied by vibrant processions, dancing, and singing of 'kirton'. Thousands of devotees participated in the rituals, joining the colorful processions from various mandaps or makeshift pavilions.
Enhanced security was in place at all immersion points, with divers from the Fire Service and Civil Defense deployed to prevent any untoward incidents. Police, SRB, BGB, and Ansar-VDP members were on duty around the clock throughout the festival.
Officials, politicians, and leaders from different socio-cultural organizations visited the Puja mandaps. The festival saw 3,449 puja mandaps set up across eight districts in the Rajshahi division, excluding 109 mandaps in Rajshahi city.
Earlier in the day, Mahfuzur Rahman Riton, Administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation, visited several Puja mandaps in the city, exchanging Sharadiya Durga Puja greetings with followers of Sanatan Dharma. His visit included stops at Pabapara Chaturbedi, Rajarhata Kali Mandir, Rajarhata Shiva Mandir, and Harijan Shiva Mandir Puja Mandaps. He interacted with attendees to ensure a joyful and festive atmosphere.
In addition, Mohammad Faizul Kabir, Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, visited Mannujan Ghat, the largest designated site for idol immersion, as part of the celebrations in the Rajshahi metropolis.