The tenth day of Autumn arrived, marking the farewell day of Goddess Durga, evoking both joy and sadness among her devoted followers, visible in the solemn atmosphere at Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital.
Hindu devotees were seen offering vermilion, sweets, betel leaves, and more to Goddess Durga for the last time to seek eternal peace and prosperity.
The grand festival of five-day Durga Puja came to an end on Tuesday night with celebrations of Sindur Khela in day time, immersion of idols in the evening at nearby rivers or ponds and exchanging Bijoya greetings among devotees across the country.
At Dhakeshwari Temple, devotees were sitting in the grand pavilion of Dhakeshwari temple, while others formed lines with plates in hand, ready to offer vermilion to the mother goddess.
Families, including many children in colorful attire, carried plates filled with offerings like flowers, sweets, betel nuts, combs, mirrors, and candles, all aimed at pleasing the goddess.
Amid the clear, blue autumn sky and the radiant sun, faces lit up in smiles as the joy of the puja enveloped the atmosphere at Dhakeshwari Temple.
The celebration of Bijoya Dashami at the temple is a truly wonderful and joyous occasion, complete with stalls selling jewelry, toys, worship tools, bangles, ice cream, and flowers, drawing crowds of visitors.
Bittersweet feelings
Joy and sorrow intertwine as a Hindu devotee named Jayati said: "Today is a day of mixed emotions for me. I'm elated, but also deeply saddened as we bid farewell to our beloved mother. Although this year's puja was a success, these cherished days seem to fly by all too quickly, coming just once a year."
Throughout the festivities, people take photos, dance in groups, and participate in applying vermillion on each other’s foreheads.
The happiness is palpable, touching the hearts of people of all ages, with most women adorning themselves in red and white sarees.
Chaiti, clad in a red and white saree, told Dhaka Tribune: "I've brought vermilion to offer to Goddess Durga. It is a gesture of respect and a way to bid her farewell. After the nine days, today is the day we offer her sacrifice. Today, our beloved mother will leave us, concluding this year's Durga Puja."
Another devotee, Mrinmoyi, was seen standing before the Durga mandap, deep in prayer, planning to offer vermilion to the goddess.
She said: "I've been here since morning. Our main focus today is to offer vermilion to the mother, a gesture of respect and farewell. We also present sweets and betel leaves. Today holds immense significance for us, marking the end of this year's Durga Puja with the goddess's sacrifice."
Offering final respect
Thousands of people thronged the Buriganga River in the city’s Bosila area in the evening to observe the final phase of the festival -- immersion of the goddess.
Adrita, a devotee, said: "Goddess Durga arrives on Shashti evening, and her departure is always bittersweet. While we refer to her as mother, some see her as a beloved daughter. She spends five days with us, making her farewell all the more difficult. Today, she leaves for her husband's home in Kailas. The sacrifice, accompanied by mournful ululations and the resounding beat of the dhak, concludes this year’s celebration."
Devotees were seen bidding farewell to the mother deity and her children – Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik and Ganesh – through the immersion of their idols, wishing Durga’s return next year.
The five-day festival started on Friday with incantations (Bodhon), marking Sashthi.
Durga Puja, the annual Hindu festival also known as Sharadaya (autumnal) Durgotsob, is the worship of divine force embodied in goddess Durga.
It symbolizes the battle between good and evil where the dark forces eventually succumb to the divine.
