Lalmonirhat:A total of 476 puja mandaps across the district are preparing to host celebrations for Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, this year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the five-day festival will commence on October 16 with Maha Shasthi and culminate on October 21 with Bijoya Dashami. Hiralal Roy, president of the district unit of the Puja Udjapan Parishad, mentioned that the district administration has allocated 600 kilograms of rice for each puja mandap from its relief fund to enhance the management of these venues.
The district Puja Udjapan Parishad has specified that 162 puja mandaps will be set up in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, 117 in Aditmari, 93 in Kaliganj, 73 in Hatibandha, and 31 in Patgram upazila. Preparations at the mandaps are nearing completion, with installations of idols, decorations, lighting, and other arrangements in their final stages.
The homes of Hindu families across the district are also enveloped in a festive atmosphere as they prepare to welcome relatives and guests from various parts of the country. Nimai Chandra Pal, president of the Shivkali and Durga Temple at Barabari Bazar in Lalmonirhat Sadar, highlighted that preparations are underway to ensure the festival is celebrated in a safe and peaceful environment, supported by the administration.
Babu Gurucharan Roy, president of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Front, expressed optimism that the festival would proceed in a joyful and peaceful manner with coordinated support from the administration and relevant authorities. Zila Parishad Administrator A.K.M. Mominul Haque assured that all necessary assistance would be provided to ensure a smooth celebration while maintaining communal harmony.
Superintendent of Police Md Asaduzzaman stated that police and intelligence agencies would maintain special surveillance at puja mandaps across the district and work collaboratively to ensure security. Deputy Commissioner Muhammed Rashedul Haque Prodhan confirmed that security measures had been reinforced throughout the district in preparation for Durga Puja.