Jashore:Durga Puja, the largest religious festival for the Bangalee Hindu community, is set to be celebrated at 737 venues across eight upazilas in Jashore district this year. This marks an increase of 28 venues compared to last year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Jashore Puja Udjapan Parishad reports that 101 idols will be displayed at Shreehari Temple in Barmanpara, Chanchra under Jashore Sadar Upazila, highlighting one of the large-scale arrangements in the region. The festivities will begin with Maha Shashthi on October 16 and conclude with the immersion of idols on Bijaya Dashami on October 21.
Idol makers in the district are currently busy preparing the idols. The basic structures, crafted from straw, reeds, and clay, are nearing completion, with painting expected to commence soon. Shankar Mondal, a clay artist at Bejpara Sarbojonin Puja Temple in Jashore town, is working diligently to complete 37 idols on time.
Shimul Barman, an organizer of the Barmanpara Durga Puja, mentioned that the display of 101 idols will be a special attraction this year, anticipating that it will draw visitors from various parts of the region.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Jashore-3 constituency lawmaker, Aninda Islam Amit, has directed police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure full security at the puja venues throughout the district. Jashore Superintendent of Police Syed Rafiqul Islam confirmed that all necessary measures are being implemented to facilitate a peaceful celebration.
Dipankar Das Ratan, president of the district Puja Celebration Council, stated that organizers have been instructed to avoid playing DJ music at the venues, opting instead for devotional songs.