Durga Puja ends with immersion of idols _

Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival for the Bangalee Hindu community, has drawn to a close through the immersion of idols of the goddess in the waters, report agencies

In Dhaka, thousands of devotees gathered along the banks of the Buriganga River to witness the emotional farewell to the goddess on Sunday.

Idols from various temples and neighbourhoods across the city were transported to the river on decorated trucks. The immersion ritual was the final act of the festival, symbolising the return of Durga to her celestial abode. It was a moment of both celebration and sorrow for devotees.

A highlight of the final day was the 'Sindur Khela' ceremony, where women adorn each other with vermilion, symbolising the strength of the goddess.

As thousands of people gathered to watch the idols' immersion, the event serves as a reminder of the enduring cultural and spiritual significance of Durga Puja, a festival that brings together the community in a shared expression of faith and devotion.

Temples across the country including Dhakeshwari National temple, Ramna Kali Temple, Siddheswari Kalimandir saw massive gathering of female devotees clad in colorful dresses including white saree with red borders and they performed 'Sindur khela', a significant part of Bijoya Dashami celebrations.

Males also joined this ritual by giving colors to faces of other devotees or participants.

In major divisional cities including port city Chattogram, Narayanganj, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet and district towns including Faridpur, Dinajpur,Jashore, Kushtia, Netrakona, Tangail, Satkhira also witnessed massive celebration of Durga Puja.

Earlier, on Saturday, Maha Navami, the fourth-day of Sharadiya Durga Puja, was celebrated with offering puja, anjali, daily bhog, sacrificing vegetables and fruits and dhunuchi nach (dance competition).

On Friday, Maha Ashtami, the third day of five-day Sharadiyo Durga Puja, was celebrated amid different rituals including offering of Anjali, Kumari and Sandhi Puja at temples since morning.

On Thursday, Maha Saptami, the second day of the five-day Sharadiya Durga Puja, was celebrated in befitting manner as temples and makeshift mandaps witnessed huge devotees and visitors while beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga was installed formally on the first day of Maha Shasthi on Friday.

Temples and mandaps were illuminated and decorated gorgeously marking the puja as some puja pandals were portrayed in different themes signifying different aspects of life and religious stories.