Different emotions at Cox’s Bazar as Bijoya ends with prayers for Palestine

The farewell of Goddess Durga at this year’s Sharadiya Durga festival in Cox’s Bazar touched a different emotion, as prayers for the freedom of Palestine resonated along with the chants of immersion on the sandy beach.On the afternoon of Bijoya Dashami, an overwhelming crowd at the sea beach witnessed such an emotional moment.Standing on the stage, Arup Sharma, a leader of the district Puja Udjapan Parishad, 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.”Uday Shankar Pal, president of the district Puja Udjapan Parishad, said, “This year’s Durga festival has been completed peacefully and festively. The event not only showcased religious harmony but also reflected humanitarian values. In the farewell chants, the prayer for Palestine’s freedom symbolizes our sympathy and solidarity.”During the immersion, a group of youths stood on the ...

• 02 Oct 2025