Overcoming the deep clouds of crisis and uncertainty that define refugee life, the joyous chants of Sharadiya Durga Puja are echoing through the Kutupalong Hindu Rohingya camp. The air in the camp's sole temple, the 'Shakti Radhakrishna' Mandir, is thick with the rhythmic beat of dhak-dhols (traditional drums), the scent of incense, and devotional hymns, creating an atmosphere of vibrant celebration. Fleeing violence in Myanmar, members of the Hindu community who found sanctuary in Bangladesh have carved out a space of peace and religious fervor.

The main festivities officially commenced on Sunday (September 28) with the prayers of Maha Shashthi. A visit to the camp revealed an uplifting scene, with women, men, and children joyfully gathered at the puja mandap (prayer pavilion). For these few days, they are able to set aside the sorrows of their displaced lives and immerse themselves in the worship of Goddess Durga. For this small community of about 540 individuals from 125 families, the festival is a source of profound mental peace.

"Like every year, we are able to observe the Durga festival without any hindrance," said Bappa Chakraborty, the temple priest. "The rituals began with the Maha Shashthi puja. We are delighted to be able to perform our worship in a secure environment."

The faces of the devotees reflected both festive joy and gratitude. "We are in hardship, we are living a refugee's life, but Durga Puja gives us mental peace," said a female devotee named Ranjita, her voice filled with emotion. "For these few days, we forget everything and just devote ourselves to the Mother Goddess."

Several hundred Hindu families were forcibly displaced from Myanmar's Rakhine State in 2017. Since 2018, with the support of the Bangladesh government, they have been able to celebrate Durga Puja in the camp. Residents noted that the festival is held under tight security every year.

Ratan Rudra, general secretary of the temple management committee, stated, "We celebrate all the rituals just like the Hindu community in Bangladesh. The local administration and the government have always supported us. The most joyous part is that on Dashami (the final day), we join the locals for the idol immersion at Cox's Bazar beach. It’s a wonderful example of the harmony between us."

The Ukhia Upazila Puja Udjapan (Celebration) Committee and the local administration are also actively involved. Rupan Dewanji, the committee's general secretary, mentioned that alongside the nine puja mandaps in the sub-district, the one in the Rohingya camp has been given equal importance, and financial assistance has been provided by the administration.

Shamsu Douza, the Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, remarked, "The Bangladesh government believes in religious freedom for people of all faiths. Even though they are refugees, we are providing all-out cooperation to ensure they can celebrate their religious festivals without any disruption."

Amid the numerous limitations of refugee life, this Durga Puja is more than just a religious ritual for the camp's Hindu community; it is a powerful symbol of their identity, culture, and unity. The festival of joy, celebrated amidst crisis, will conclude on the day of Dashami with the immersion of the Goddess Durga's idol at the Cox's Bazar sea beach, alongside their local Bangladeshi neighbors.

BOB Post