Jamalpur: Preparations for celebrating Durga Puja, one of the greatest religious festivals of the Hindu community, are in the final stages across Jamalpur district. Artisans are passing busy days as they rush to complete the idol-making works ahead of Shasthi, the opening day of the five-day celebration.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Jamalpur district unit, has reported that a total of 206 puja mandaps are being set up in the district this year, which is 17 more than the previous year. District Relief and Rehabilitation Office sources said 57 puja mandaps will be set up in Jamalpur Sadar upazila, 43 in Sarishabari, 27 in Madarganj, 24 in Dewanganj, 19 in Islampur, 22 in Melandaha, and 14 in Bakshiganj upazila.
Subal Chandra Das, a member of the Hindu community in Jamalpur town, shared that preparations are going on in full swing, including buying new clothes for children and family members. To support the festival, the District Relief and Rehabilitation Office has distributed 103 tonnes of rice among the puja mandap authorities, with each mandap receiving 500 kilograms of rice.
Prodip Kumar Shom Ranu, President of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Jamalpur district unit, said a festive mood is prevailing among the Hindu community centering Durga Puja. Bipul Kanji Lal, priest of Doyamoyee Mondir, mentioned that the Tithi of Shasthi will begin in the morning on September 28. He noted that Durga Puja has been celebrated at Radha Mohan Mondir for the last 65 years, with an increase in the number of puja mandaps this year.
“We hope to celebrate the puja with due religious fervor. The festival will conclude on October 2 with the immersion of Durga idols,” he said. Deputy Commissioner Hasina Begum assured that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that the Hindu community can celebrate the festival in a peaceful and joyous atmosphere. She informed that four-tier security measures will be enforced at every puja mandap to maintain law and order, including monitoring through CCTV cameras.