Chattogram:Various Puja Mandaps across Chattogram city and district are captivating visitors this year with unique themes that creatively blend religious tradition with social commentary. These themes highlight societal anomalies, moral values, and philosophy, drawing large crowds from across the country and abroad.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the themes 'Obinashwar' and 'Ripu Rajani' at North Kattali Puja Mandap have become major attractions. Heavy crowds have been gathering at the Sri Sri Seba Khola and Baikunthadham Temple Puja Mandap since Shashathi, with organizers facing challenges in managing the endless stream of visitors from noon until late at night. Long queues and traffic jams are common, yet visitors patiently wait for hours to see the deities.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit the JM Sen Hall Puja Mandap in Rahmatganj tomorrow evening to exchange festive greetings with Hindu Community leaders and devotees. This visit marks the first time since Bangladesh's independence that an incumbent head of the government will visit a Durga Puja Mandap in Chattogram, sparking festive enthusiasm across the city. Preparations and security coordination have been intensified by the administration, law enforcement agencies, Chattogram City Corporation, and BNP leaders and activists to ensure a seamless visit.
A total of 2,851 Durga Puja Mandaps have been set up across Chattogram city and district, with 294 in the city and 2,557 across various upazilas. Among these, themed Mandaps stand out for their artistic craftsmanship, creative concepts, and strong social messages. The North Kattali Bani Mandir, marking its 58th annual celebration, introduced the theme 'Ripu Rajani', reflecting the spiritual struggle against six human vices through metal craftsmanship and contemporary art.
The 'Obinashwar' theme at North Kattali Kalibari depicts Mahakal and Aghori practices, sending a message of self-critique and spiritual purification. Jewel Sheel, Chief Advisor to the Bani Mandir Seba Khola and Baikunthadham Puja Udjapan Parishad, stated that the aim was to deliver a profound philosophical message through contemporary art and technology.
The 'Roktanjali' theme at Khalifapatti Mandap voices against violence targeting women and children, while the Gosaildanga Mandap highlights traditional Bengali folk culture through 'Charak Puja'. The 'Parban' theme at South Nalapara uses bamboo poles to portray Goddess Durga in an indigenous form for its 75th anniversary. The 'Sadhur Desh' theme at Karunamoyee Kalibari portrays the ascetic life of saints, and the Anderkilla Mandap honors print media heritage.
Advocate Nikhil Kumar Nath emphasized that Durga Puja reflects religious rituals alongside culture, creativity, and communal harmony, hoping that these theme-based Pujas continue to spread messages of joy, harmony, and human values.