47 mandaps ready for Durga Puja in Rangamati

Preparations for the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja are progressing rapidly here in the district , with idol-making, renovation and decoration work underway at puja mandaps across the area.

A total of 47 puja mandaps in all ten upazilas of the hill district will host the five-day Sharadiya Durga Puja this year. The festival will begin on October 16 with Sasthi Puja and rituals of awakening, invitation and installation of Goddess Durga.

Artisans are working day and night to complete the idols of Goddess Durga and other deities. In Rangamati town, artisans were seen giving final touches to the idols, while decoration work was also progressing at different mandaps.

"We have almost completed the decoration of the idols. Now we are giving the final touches with colours and brushes," the artisans said, expressing hope of completing the work before the festival begins.

Priest Ranbir Chakraborty of Rangamati Central Kali Temple said preparations at seven puja mandaps in Rangamati, including the central temple, had already been completed.

He said the district administration and police had held meetings with puja organisers and assured them of all-out cooperation to ensure peaceful celebrations.

Rangamati Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdur Rakib said necessary preparations had been completed to ensure peaceful and festive celebrations.

"Additional security measures have been taken at every puja mandap to ensure smooth and peaceful celebrations," he said.