After 16 long years, joy and devotion have returned to the Sri Sri Rasik Roy Jiu Temple in Auliapur of Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila, as the Hindu community prepares to celebrate Durga Puja following the withdrawal of Section 144, which had barred festivities at the site since 2009.

The ban was originally imposed after a deadly clash on September 18, 2009, between followers of the Sonatani and ISKCON groups over the right to organise Durga Puja at the temple.

The violence left a temple servant Phul Babu dead, forcing the local administration to enforce Section 144 and assume control of the premises.

Since then, Durga Puja and other religious events had been suspended at the temple due to fears of further communal unrest.

However, this year, a breakthrough was reached through the efforts of the district administration, which successfully brokered an agreement between the two factions.

With tensions eased, the administration withdrew Section 144, finally allowing the resumption of worship and festivities at the historic temple.

Preparations are now in full swing. Idol makers are busy crafting the goddess’s image, and volunteers are decorating the mandap with lights and traditional artwork.