Rajshahi: Preparations for Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, are now in their final stages in Rajshahi city and across the districts under the Rajshahi division. Idol makers, commonly referred to as Pauls, are currently busy giving the finishing touches to the idols of Hindu deities. The five-day Sharadiya Durga Puja is set to begin tomorrow with Maha Shasthi and will conclude on October 2 with the immersion of the idols on Bijoya Dashami. In Rajshahi city, both the district and metropolitan administrations have implemented comprehensive steps to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration of the festival. Law enforcement agencies, including police, Ansar, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), are being deployed at important locations to ensure public safety.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, mandaps have been constructed and decorated, while temples across the city are adorned with colorful lights and festoons. Devotees and organizers are working tirelessly to complete arrangements in time. Veteran idol maker Kartik Paul, who has been in the profession for 27 years, stated that he has crafted 40 idols in the last two months, with each idol costing between Taka 35,000 and Taka 65,000. He noted that approximately 100 Paul groups are engaged in idol-making across Rajshahi, with nearly all the work completed. Swapon Ghosh, an organizer at a puja mandap in the city’s Kumarpara area, mentioned that preparations are in the final stage, and the atmosphere is gradually becoming festive.
Rajshahi city unit General Secretary of Puja Udjapan Parishad, Shyamal Kumar Ghosh, expressed that Durga Puja will be celebrated in a joyous and harmonious manner. He added that temples and mandaps have been beautifully decorated, and within the next couple of days, the entire city will have a festive look. To enhance security, authorities are installing close-circuit cameras at key mandaps. Coordination meetings have been held between law enforcement agencies and puja committee leaders.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Dr. Muhammad Shahjahan informed that Durga Puja will be celebrated in 3,449 mandaps across the eight districts of Rajshahi division, with 103 other mandaps in Rajshahi metropolis. The Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) has increased intelligence surveillance and is closely monitoring the overall situation. RMP Commissioner Abu Sufiyan assured that they are committed to ensuring the celebration of this religious festival in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and communal harmony. All necessary security measures have been taken to make the celebration festive and successful.
Meanwhile, the Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) has undertaken various initiatives to maintain cleanliness and ensure civic amenities during the puja days. Special cleanliness drives are planned to maintain hygiene and ensure a pleasant environment for devotees and visitors. The RCC authorities have urged all citizens to cooperate in maintaining cleanliness and decorum during the festival to make the Sharodiya Durga Puja celebrations more vibrant and joyful.
Shopping ahead of Durga Puja has reached its peak in Rajshahi city and its adjacent areas, with people flocking to markets and malls to purchase dresses, worship items, and other festival essentials.