http://www.lightstalkers.org/galleries/contact_sheet/31104 The day is Bijoya Dashami, the end of the six-day Durga Puja festival, bidding adieu to the Goddess and hoping for the new celebrations in the coming year!! But this end of the festival also marks the festival of friendship and union among the residents of the borders lands of India and Bangladesh. On the banks of River Icchamati, lies the tradition of coming together on this day inspite being two different countries!! The localities on either side of the river sail across on this day; though under the eyes of the border security forces, that none is allowed to step into the lands, there are times when people sneak to either country, mostly in search of better opportunities and a hope for a better future. However, the fun lies not in sailing to the banks of the other land, but the display of the idols and winning prizes! On the way, there are many shaking hands, conversation and distributions of sweets and fruits!! It’s has become a custom of sharing and love, and in a world torn apart by so much violence and cruelty, here lies a world of friendship and togetherness, welcoming you with open arms!! http://www.lightstalkers.org en-us http://images.lightstalkers.org/avatars/33004/4983_1177068544800_1170711975_30519567_7452224_s_small.jpg http://www.lightstalkers.org/Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262052/1_small.jpg' /><br />Bidding adieu to the Goddess..<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262052'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262052 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:48:42 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262052 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262052/1_small.jpg' /><br />Bidding adieu to the Goddess..<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262052'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262055/2_small.jpg' /><br />On the banks of Icchamati River...The idols are taken on boat to be sailed across towards Bangladesh, before immersion.. <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262055'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262055 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:49:39 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262055 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262055/2_small.jpg' /><br />On the banks of Icchamati River...The idols are taken on boat to be sailed across towards Bangladesh, before immersion.. <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262055'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262058/3_small.jpg' /><br />Tradition and customs.. <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262058'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262058 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:50:19 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262058 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262058/3_small.jpg' /><br />Tradition and customs.. <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262058'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262061/4_small.jpg' /><br />Looking ahead....The residents prepare themselves for the day ahead! <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262061'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262061 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:50:56 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262061 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262061/4_small.jpg' /><br />Looking ahead....The residents prepare themselves for the day ahead! <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262061'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262064/5_small.jpg' /><br />Waiting to sail across..Thousands of residents, localities and also people from other places wait to experience the tradition.. <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262064'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262064 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:51:43 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262064 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262064/5_small.jpg' /><br />Waiting to sail across..Thousands of residents, localities and also people from other places wait to experience the tradition.. <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262064'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262067/6_small.jpg' /><br />Our boatman, with a smile on his face!!! <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262067'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262067 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:52:26 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262067 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262067/6_small.jpg' /><br />Our boatman, with a smile on his face!!! <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262067'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262070/7_small.jpg' /><br />Preparation going well... <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262070'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262070 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:53:09 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262070 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262070/7_small.jpg' /><br />Preparation going well... <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262070'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262073/8_small.jpg' /><br />The boats are being strengthened and tied with bamboos... <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262073'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262073 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:53:53 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262073 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262073/8_small.jpg' /><br />The boats are being strengthened and tied with bamboos... <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262073'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262076/9_small.jpg' /><br />Stepping forward. <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262076'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262076 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:54:37 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262076 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262076/9_small.jpg' /><br />Stepping forward. <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262076'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262079/10_small.jpg' /><br />Eager hearts and open minds!The residents on their way to the other side.. <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262079'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262079 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:55:10 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262079 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262079/10_small.jpg' /><br />Eager hearts and open minds!The residents on their way to the other side.. <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262079'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262082/11_small.jpg' /><br />There goes my boat..The flags are a mark of identification!!! <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262082'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262082 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:55:59 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262082 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262082/11_small.jpg' /><br />There goes my boat..The flags are a mark of identification!!! <br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262082'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262085/12_small.jpg' /><br />Looking over..The border security forces...<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262085'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262085 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:56:41 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262085 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262085/12_small.jpg' /><br />Looking over..The border security forces...<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262085'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262088/13_small.jpg' /><br />Celebration time...Huge crowds gather to witness this day..<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262088'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262088 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:57:40 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262088 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262088/13_small.jpg' /><br />Celebration time...Huge crowds gather to witness this day..<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262088'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262091/14_small.jpg' /><br />Maa Durga looks on..<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262091'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262091 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:58:28 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262091 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262091/14_small.jpg' /><br />Maa Durga looks on..<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262091'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262094/15_small.jpg' /><br />Deciding on the prizes..The localities of Bangladesh make this arrangements to judge the most beautiful idol and give awards of token to the winning team.<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262094'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262094 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:59:07 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262094 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262094/15_small.jpg' /><br />Deciding on the prizes..The localities of Bangladesh make this arrangements to judge the most beautiful idol and give awards of token to the winning team.<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262094'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262097/16_small.jpg' /><br />The crowd is sometime a way for few to sneak through in different lands. The process of celebration often leads to illegal entry into our country..<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262097'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262097 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:59:47 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262097 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262097/16_small.jpg' /><br />The crowd is sometime a way for few to sneak through in different lands. The process of celebration often leads to illegal entry into our country..<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262097'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262100/17_small.jpg' /><br />On the River Ichhamati, crowded boats sail through!!!<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262100'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262100 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:00:35 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262100 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262100/17_small.jpg' /><br />On the River Ichhamati, crowded boats sail through!!!<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262100'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262103/18_small.jpg' /><br />Shaking hands, sharing of fruits sweets and tokens!!<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262103'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262103 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:01:19 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262103 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262103/18_small.jpg' /><br />Shaking hands, sharing of fruits sweets and tokens!!<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262103'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262106/19_small.jpg' /><br />Looking ahead to the coming year of festivals and celebrations!!!<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262106'>view full-size image</a> http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262106 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:02:02 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262106 <img src='http://images.lightstalkers.org/images/1262106/19_small.jpg' /><br />Looking ahead to the coming year of festivals and celebrations!!!<br /><a href='http://www.lightstalkers.org/images/show/1262106'>view full-size image</a> Imran Ahmed