
South Asia’s Grandest Durga Puja Festival Revives in Bangladesh’s Sikder Bari with 501 Breathtaking Idols
Last Updated on October 20, 2023 2:38 pm
Bagerhat, Bangladesh — Amidst the historic town of Bagerhat, the annual ‘Shikdar Bari Durgotsob’ festival has burst back onto the scene in a breathtaking fashion, marking a triumphant return after an unfortunate hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This exceptional celebration, revered as one of the most significant Durga festivals in existence, promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
At the heart of this grand spectacle is the unique Puja Mandap situated within Bagerhat’s Sikder Bari, adorned with a stunning display of over 501 idols. Each of these idols weaves tales from the Satya, Treta, Dwapar, and Kali Yuga, contributing to the Mandap’s reputation as a strong contender for the title of South Asia’s largest Mandap.
Among the festival’s major highlights is the colossal 65-foot sleeping Kumbhakarna, a sight that has captured the hearts and imaginations of devotees and enthusiasts alike. The careful craftsmanship and ornate decorations that grace the grand Durga Mandap have reached their final stages, adding a layer of charm to the festivities that will unfold.
The ‘Shikdar Bari Durgotsob’ journey commenced in 2010 when Dr. Dulal Krishna Shikdar initiated this celebration with a modest 165 idols. Over the years, the event evolved into a grand spectacle boasting 801 idols in 2019. Regrettably, the pandemic cast a shadow on the festival’s grandeur in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
This year, the festival comes back to life 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 worked tirelessly for five months to bring these deities to life, with the massive 65-foot sleeping Kumbhakarna taking center stage.
Liton Shikder, the enthusiastic organizer of the Durga Puja at Shikder’s house, expressed his anticipation, “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, attracting visitors from West Bengal and across the country to witness the intricate idols housed within its Mandap. The revival of this grand festival at Sikder Bari is a vibrant celebration of culture, history, and devotion, promising to leave an indelible mark on all who become part of the resplendent festivities.