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 beach holding placards. Among them, Atosi Dey said, “Along with Bijoya greetings, we want world peace. Our call is that the people of Palestine may live in freedom.”

Another in the group, Abdu Rashid Manik, said, “Here, the song of humanity is heard beyond all divisions of religion and caste. We have blended the joy of Bijoya with the prayer for Palestine’s freedom.”

Pilgrim Shima Dutta, who came from Ramu, expressed, “Today is not only a day of farewell, but also a call for humanity. Hearing the call for Palestine’s freedom mingling with the roar of the sea waves feels truly different.”

Local visitor Nurul Hasan said, “As a Muslim, I feel overwhelmed to witness this scene of Bijoya Dashami. Here there is no division of religion or caste, only harmony.”

Yet nature itself seemed to carry a note of melancholy with the farewell. Since morning, Cox’s Bazar remained cloudy and rainy. Despite the drizzle in the afternoon, the beach turned vibrant with the gathering of thousands, as people joined the farewell rituals defying adverse weather.

Finally, the chants of farewell echoed with the timeless message—“Religion is personal, festivals are for all.” This year, the call was joined by another prayer of humanity—“Let Palestine be free.”

A senior official of Cox’s Bazar district police said that more than 500 members of law enforcement agencies along with army personnel were deployed to ensure security during this year’s Bijoya Dashami. The entire beach area had been under tight security since Wednesday.

On the stage of Bijoya, the Deputy Commissioner along with leaders of different political parties also delivered speeches, highlighting the spirit of communal harmony.

According to Cox’s Bazar district Puja Udjapan Parishad, Durga Puja was celebrated in 317 mandaps across the district this year.