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Published : 02 Oct 2025, 08:37 PM
The farewell to Durga Puja has carried a different emotion this year in Cox’s Bazar, as prayers for the freedom of Palestine mingled with the chants of immersion on the sandy beach.
On Thursday, during Bijoya Dashami, crowds numbering in the hundreds of thousands gathered on the shore to witness the immersion, where voices of solidarity with Palestine rang out.
Standing on the main stage, Arup Sharma, a leader of the District Puja Celebration Council, said: “Today we bid farewell to Goddess Durga. But the struggle for humanity is eternal. At this moment, we pray for peace and freedom for the people of Palestine.”
Council President Uday Shankar Paul said, “This year’s Durga Puja has ended peacefully and in a festive spirit. Beyond religious harmony, the celebrations reflected human values. The prayers for Palestine during the farewell express our sympathy and solidarity.”
As the idols were prepared for immersion, a group of youths stood on the sand with placards. Among them, Atasi Dey said: “Alongside Bijoya greetings, we want world peace. Our call is for the people of Palestine to live freely.”
Another in the group, Abdu Rashid Manik, said: “Here we hear the songs of humanity beyond divisions of faith or caste. We have blended Bijoya’s joy with prayers for Palestine’s freedom.”
Ordinary devotees, too, were deeply moved. Seema Dutta, who came from Ramu, said: “Today was not only a farewell, but also a call for humanity. Hearing chants for Palestine’s freedom mingle with the waves felt extraordinary.”
Local visitor Nurul Hasan said, “As a Muslim, I was overwhelmed to be part of this scene on Bijoya Dashami. There are no divisions of religion or caste here, only harmony.”
Nature itself seemed to echo the mood of parting, as overcast skies and rain lingered from dawn. Still, by afternoon, despite drizzle, the beach teemed with hundreds of thousands taking part in the rituals.
The final chants rang out with the message: “Religion is personal, festivals are for all.”
This year, it was joined by another cry -- “let Palestine be free".
A senior Cox’s Bazar Police officer said more than 500 security personnel, including the Army, were deployed.
“The entire beach area was under a security blanket from Wednesday to prevent any untoward incident,” he said.
Leaders from the district administration and political parties also spoke from the stage, all calling for harmony.
According to the District Puja Celebration Council, Durga Puja was observed at 317 pavilions across Cox’s Bazar this year.
