Final preparations underway at 232 Durga Puja mandaps in Chandpur

Final preparations are underway at 232 puja mandaps in eight upazilas of the district to celebrate Sharadiya Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community.

Artisans are working round the clock to complete idols, decorate pandals and install colourful lighting as the district prepares to welcome Goddess Durga amid a festive atmosphere.

According to the district Puja Udjapan Parishad, Durga Puja will be held at 232 mandaps across the district, including 41 in Chandpur municipality and Sadar upazila, 23 in Faridganj, six in Haimchar, 29 in Hajiganj, 39 in Matlab South, 36 in Matlab North, 39 in Kachua and 19 in Shahrasti upazila.

The historic Kalibari Temple premises in Chandpur town have become a hub of colourful preparations. Idols of Goddess Durga, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha and Lakshmi are taking shape, with skilled artisans bringing the divine figures to life using straw and clay.

While some mandaps are being decorated with elaborate lighting and artistic pandals, others are incorporating themes highlighting human values and portraits of eminent personalities.

Idol maker Jagabandhu Pal said he had undertaken the work of making 12 idols this year. However, rising prices of jute and clay had increased production costs, making it difficult for him to manage expenses and raising concerns about possible losses.

Prabhash Saha, an organiser of Kalibari Temple, said idol-making work had been underway for the past two months. Special maha prasad will be distributed among devotees during the five days of the festival, he said.

The organisers expect around 400,000 to 500,000 visitors at the temple premises this year.

Advocate Binoy Bhushan Majumder, convener of the district Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikyo Parishad, said preparations had been taken to ensure peaceful celebrations across all eight upazilas.

The district administration and law enforcement agencies have also held preparatory meetings to ensure security during the festival.

Superintendent of Police Md Mizanur Rahman has urged the mandap authorities to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and remain alert against rumours.

Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Ziaur Rahman has emphasised monitoring social media, maintaining cleanliness and ensuring overall security at the festival venues.

Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, lawmaker from Chandpur-3 constituency and president of the district BNP, said party leaders and activists would work as volunteers in coordination with mandap committees to ensure smooth celebrations.