As Durga Puja approaches, all the preparations have been completed in Satkhira to celebrate the most significant religious festival for the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Each puja mandap in Satkhira stands adorned with exquisitely crafted idols of Goddess Durga, featuring a rich tapestry of vibrant colors and intricate cotton stripes.
Moreover, to showcase government development efforts and attract devotees, an ingenious temple entrance has been constructed within the canal in front of the temple.
This innovative architectural marvel has captured the hearts of numerous admirers, drawing visitors from far and wide.
Asim Baran Chakraborty, the joint general secretary and upazila vice chairman of Satkhira Puja Celebration Parishad, said the innovative canal-front entrance to the temple has been crafted by the Maheshwarkati Sarvajanin Puja Committee of Asashuni upazila.
He said this feature has deeply resonated with devotees all over the district.
Idol artisans working hard
The grand Durga Puja celebration, the most significant religious event for devotees, will commence on Friday with Shasthi and conclude on Tuesday with the immersion of idols.
Dedicated idol artists in Satkhira are fervently engaged in adding the final touches to Goddess Durga with last-minute colors and decorations.
According to sources from the Satkhira District Puja Celebration Parishad, this year, Durga Puja will grace 606 puja mandaps across seven upazilas in the district.
Of them, 48 are in Kalaroa Upazila, 196 in Tala, 112 in Satkhira Sadar, 108 in Asashuni, 21 in Debhata, 51 in Kaliganj, and 70 in Shyamnagar, all set to host Durga Puja.
Visitors can be seen exploring various mandaps throughout the district, ensuring that all last-minute preparations are executed to perfection.
Debashish Chakraborty, a skilled idol artist, mentioned that creating an idol typically costs a minimum of Tk25,000-30,000.
However, this year, artists are investing between Tk3-4 lakh. The process requires 3/4 van loads of clay, 5/6 quarters of hay, and various materials including wood, bamboo, rope, nails, yarn, and rice flour. Crafting an idol typically spans 15-20 days.
Tight security
Asim Baran Chakraborty reported that this year, 606 puja mandaps have been erected in the district, seven more than last year.
Extensive groundwork has already commenced within the temples, and various requests have been presented in meetings with the district administration and police authorities.
Biswajit Kumar Adhikari, Officer-in-Charge of the Asashuni police station, affirmed that the police will provide unwavering support during the autumn Durga Puja, similar to previous years.
He said: "Ansar members will be stationed at each puja mandap, with the police ensuring security at key locations. The police force will conduct regular patrols of the temples, while also overseeing the duties of volunteer organizations."