Photo: BSS

THAKURGAON, Sept 27, 2025 (BSS) - After a gap of more than a decade and a 
half, all necessary preparations have been completed to celebrate Durga Puja 
at the historic Sri Sri Rasik Roy Jiu temple in Thakurgaon.

The long-standing section 144 has been withdrawn from the temple premises 
following a significant compromise between the two conflicting parties at the 
initiative of the local administration.

As a result, permission has been given to organise Durga Puja at this 
traditional place after a long time. Currently, idol artists are busy making 
idols and decorating the mandap.

It is known that on September 18, 2009, there was a clash between Sanatani 
and ISKCON followers over Durga Puja, in which a temple servant, Phulbaboo, 
was killed. 

Since that incident, the local administration had imposed section 144 in the 
temple area during the Durga Puja for which worship remained stop there.

Devotees and locals are overwhelmed and overjoyed as the Durga Puja is being 
held in their own temple premises after 16 years.

Local resident Mahadev Roy said, "For 16 years, we've been worshipping in 
other temples, suffering from the pain of not being able to worship in our 
own temple. Our long-standing mental pain has finally gone away. This time, 
we want to organise this Puja festival on a grand scale without fear."

Another 22-year old young lad Tapas Roy reminisced about his childhood and 
said, "The last Puja was held here in my childhood. Since I grew up, I've 
seen the temple being locked. I used to feel sad when I heard stories about 
the Puja from my father, but now my long-standing wish will be fulfilled."

Temple attendant Apu Sarkar said, "That incident in 2009 left a deep wound in 
our hearts. After a long wait, we're being able to worship again. So, we're 
not compromising on the arrangements. We hope that this time it will be a 
grand event."

Deputy Commissioner Ishrat Farzana said that Section 144 has been withdrawn 
as both sides agreed to a compromise through the district administration's 
efforts and mediation. "Hopefully, even after the Durga Puja, it will be 
possible to resolve soon the remaining problems between them."
Police Superintendent Sheikh Zahidul Islam hoped that this year's Durga Puja 
festival at Rasik Roy Jiu Temple would further strengthen the bond of peace 
and harmony ending the long 16-year wait.