A total of 465 mandaps will host Sharadiya Durga Puja in Savar and Dhamrai this year, with preparations nearing completion and authorities stepping up security measures.
Of the total, Savar will have 233 mandaps, 10 more than last year, while Dhamrai will have 232 across its 16 unions and one municipality.
Artisans are busy painting and decorating idols of Goddess Durga and other deities as the festival approaches. Despite rising prices of colours and other materials, workers are racing to complete the work on time.
Swapan Pal, an artisan working at the traditional Thakur Bari in Barbariya, Gangutia union of Dhamrai, said the clay work was completed four days ago and painting had since begun.
However, artisans expressed dissatisfaction over rising material costs and inadequate wages. Shyamal Pal, who is working at a mandap in Dhamrai municipality, said the price of colours had increased significantly, while their wages had not risen accordingly.
Security has emerged as a key priority for the organisers and administration. CCTV cameras will be mandatory at every temple in Dhamrai, alongside volunteer teams to assist with security, said Ranjit Pal, member secretary of the Dhamrai Upazila Temple Committee.
Dhamrai Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Al Mamun said organisers had been instructed to limit sound system use during prayers and azan to avoid inconveniencing nearby residents.
In Savar, police and the local administration are coordinating with organisers to ensure peaceful celebrations.
Barun Bhowmik Nayan, president of the Savar Puja Udjapan Parishad, expressed hope that joint efforts by the authorities and organisers would ensure a peaceful festival.
Savar Model police station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Alam said mandaps had been classified into three categories — important, highly important and general — based on security requirements. He warned that legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the celebrations.
Organisers expect the festivities to proceed peacefully, with religious harmony and public safety maintained throughout the celebrations.