The Durga Puja festival, a significant event for the Sanatan (Hindu) community, is being observed with devotion at the Ukhia Kutupalong Rohingya camp-1 . Starting from Thursday (October 10) morning, worshippers gathered at the camp’s sole puja mandap to offer prayers during Mahasaptami, marking the commencement of the festivities.

Despite their challenging circumstances after fleeing Myanmar's Arakan state, the Hindu residents of the camp, numbering around 525 across 123 families, engaged in prayers and rituals. Priest Bappa Chakraborty expressed gratitude for the peaceful environment provided for the celebrations, noting that traditional worship is being upheld.

Residents like Nirjan Rudra emphasized the importance of the festival, stating that the community celebrates Durga Puja every year under strict security, culminating in rituals such as the ablution of Goddess  Durga.

Taran Rudra, general secretary of the temple management committee, highlighted the similarities in their celebrations with traditional Hindus in Bangladesh, appreciating the support from local authorities. Preparations for the puja have been completed, with law enforcement ensuring a safe environment for worship.

Madhuram Pal, president of the temple management committee, confirmed that the main ceremonies will commence with Maha Shashti, with the community planning to conduct a worship ceremony at Cox's Bazar beach on Dashami.

Rupan Dewanji, General Secretary of the Ukhia Upazila Puja Celebration Committee, announced that seven worship halls have been established in the upazila, including a special puja mandap for the Hindu community in the Rohingya camp, funded by the local administration. The collaboration between the local and Rohingya Hindu communities underscores a spirit of unity as they come together to honor Goddess Durga.
 

BOB Post