South Asia’s Biggest Durga Puja Festival Returns to Bangladesh’s Sikder Bari with 501 Exquisite Idols
This extraordinary event, considered the most significant Durga festival of its kind, has made a triumphant return after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it promises to be nothing short of magnificent.
Bagerhat, Bangladesh — A spectacular sight awaits visitors in the historic town of Bagerhat as the annual ‘Shikdar Bari Durgotsob’ festival kicks off in grand style at the revered Durga temple within the premises of Hakimpur Shikdar House. This extraordinary event, considered the most significant Durga festival of its kind, has made a triumphant return after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it promises to be nothing short of magnificent.
At the heart of the festivities lies a unique Puja Mandap at Bagerhat’s Sikder Bari, adorned with over 501 idols, each narrating tales from the Satya, Treta, Dwapar, and Kali Yuga. The Mandap, known for its elaborate designs and electrifying atmosphere, is gaining recognition as a strong contender for the title of the largest Mandap in South Asia.
One of the major highlights is the colossal 65-foot sleeping Kumbhakarna, capturing the attention and admiration of devotees and enthusiasts alike. The meticulous artistry and ornate decorations that grace the grand Durga Mandap have reached their final stages, enhancing the allure of this year’s festivities.
The journey of ‘Shikdar Bari Durgotsob’ began in 2010 when Dr. Dulal Krishna Shikdar initiated the celebration with a modest 165 idols. Over the years, the event evolved into a grand celebration boasting 801 idols in 2019. However, the pandemic cast a shadow on the grandeur of the festival in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
This year, the festival comes alive once again, with 501 meticulously crafted idols representing gods, goddesses, and incarnations drawn from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, spanning the Sadya, Treta, Dwapar, and Kali eras. A dedicated team of 15 idol artists has worked tirelessly for five months to bring these deities to life, with the massive 65-foot sleeping Kumbhakarna taking the spotlight.
Liton Shikder, the enthusiastic organizer of the Durga Puja at Shikder’s house, expressed his excitement, “What sets it apart is our commitment to showcasing every incarnation of the Lord that has graced this world throughout the ages, from Sadya to Kali. We look forward to welcoming hordes of visitors, both local and international, to this resurgent festival. Despite differences in caste and religion, everyone is invited to partake in the joyous celebrations, as we hope to rekindle the spirit of the festival as in years past.”
Hakimpur Shikdar House is widely recognized as South Asia’s premier Durga temple, drawing visitors from West Bengal and across the country to witness the intricate idols housed within its Mandap. The resurrection of this grand festival at Sikder Bari is a celebration of culture, history, and devotion, promising to leave a lasting impression on all who partake in the resplendent festivities.
