Narsingdi:Idol makers in Narsingdi are hard at work preparing idols for the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja, a major religious festival for the Hindu community.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, artisans across the district are laboring day and night to complete the idols of Goddess Durga and other deities in time for the festival. In Narsingdi Sadar upazila, workshops are bustling with activity as craftsmen mold figures with straw over bamboo and wooden frameworks before applying layers of clay.
In some workshops, artisans are adding the final layers of clay and intricate designs, while others have already started painting. The finished idols will be adorned with ornaments and embellishments. Artisans are meticulously crafting the eyes, faces, clothing, and ornamental details for figures of Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kartik, and Ganesha.
Sabuj Das, an idol maker from Seba Sangha, noted that although demand for idols is strong this year, production costs have risen. He explained that the process involves building a framework, shaping with straw, and applying clay, before painting and decorating the idols for transport to puja mandaps. The workload increases significantly as the festival approaches, with larger and more intricately designed idols requiring more time and labor.
Extensive preparations are also underway at puja mandaps across Narsingdi to ensure a peaceful and festive celebration of Durga Puja. A total of 361 puja mandaps are scheduled to host the festival this year, with the possibility of more being added.
Makhon Das, Acting President of the Narsingdi Puja Udjapan Parishad, stated that the district administration has promised adequate security measures, including CCTV installations and multiple layers of security. He expressed confidence in celebrating the puja without hindrance, thanks to assurances from the district administration and law enforcement agencies. Efforts are also being made to ensure proper electricity, fire safety, and a conducive law-and-order situation at every puja mandap.
The formalities of Durga Puja will begin on October 16 with Maha Shasthi and conclude on October 22 with Bijoya Dashami. Preparations for decoration and lighting are already underway at various puja mandaps in the district.