Artisans in Bogra are busy putting the finishing touches on idols ahead of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community.
The district will host the festival at 730 puja mandaps across its 13 upazilas this year, up from 681 last year. The district administration has allocated 438 tonnes of rice for the puja mandaps, with each receiving 600kg.
The formalities will begin with Mahalaya on October 10, while the main festivities will start with Sasthi Puja on October 16. The six-day festival will conclude with Bijaya Dashami on October 21. According to the almanac, the goddess will arrive on a horse and depart on a boat this year.
During a visit to Dattabari Temple in Bogra and a Bishwakarma idol workshop in Uttar Chelopara, artisans were found working on the final stages of idol-making. Some were applying clay, while others were painting, decorating and drying the idols.
Kajol Chandra Pramanik, owner of the workshop, said they had received orders for 20 sets of idols from Bogra and nearby areas, as well as Jamalpur and Naogaon. “Production costs have increased due to higher prices of raw materials and labour,” he said, adding that each set costs between Tk25,000 and Tk85,000.
Work on puja gates, pandals, decorations and lighting is also progressing rapidly.
Bogra District Puja Celebration Council President Parimal Chandra Das said enthusiasm was running high among devotees and there were no major security concerns.
Authorities have instructed organisers to install CCTV cameras at every mandap, while security personnel will also be deployed.
Deputy Commissioner Toufiqur Rahman said the administration had taken all necessary measures to ensure a peaceful celebration. Law enforcement agencies will maintain patrols and surveillance around the puja venues.
With the festival drawing closer, the district is already taking on a festive look, with shopping also increasing across local markets.