Rajbari:Durga Puja in Rajbari has a rich history, with organized celebrations dating back to around 1954. The festival is a major event for the Hindu community, and this year, artisans are busy crafting idols for 462 mandaps across the district.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council reported this figure during an exchange-of-views meeting on Sharadiya Durga Puja organized by the Rajbari district administration. Deputy Commissioner Afroza Parvin and Police Superintendent Mir Monir Hossain were among the attendees, along with local political leaders and Hindu community representatives.
Historically, Durga Puja in Rajbari was associated with zamindar estates, where aristocratic families organized elaborate celebrations. These events were significant social gatherings, with ordinary people attending as devotees and visitors. Rani Mata Sarat Sundari, known as Rani Ma, played a key role in organizing these festivities.
Today, the festival has evolved into a community-based event, with pujas organized by local committees in both urban and rural areas. People from various professions and backgrounds are involved in these celebrations, which are now characterized by modern designs, thematic concepts, and advanced security measures, including CCTV cameras and security barriers.
The reach of the festival has expanded through social media, allowing people to experience the creativity and scale of the celebrations beyond their immediate neighborhoods. Despite technological advancements and more elaborate decorations, the core spirit of Durga Puja, centered on humanity, communal harmony, and tradition, remains unchanged in Rajbari.