Durga Puja at 543 mandaps in Narail, final brush strokes under way on idols
Photo: Collected
Sharadiya Durga Puja is at the doorstep, so the idol makers of the district now have no time to breathe as they put the final strokes of paint and brush. Work is going on day and night in shifts, giving the idols an aesthetic look. The decoration of most of the puja mandaps is also at its final stage.
A visit to various mandaps in Narail town showed that in some places paint is being applied to the idols and in others ornaments are being fitted. Through the deft hands of the artisans, the idols of goddess Durga and the others are gradually taking complete shape. The artisans are working day and night to make every idol attractive and to finish making and painting the idols within the stipulated time.
From the frames of clay, straw and bamboo to the paint and the decoration, the labour and creativity of the craftsmen are blended into every stage, and it is that deft craftsmanship that has filled the idols with beauty. At this time of the year, a bustle of activity grows among the idol makers over the making of the idols; many people are also crowding the mandaps to see the final adornment of the idols.
Sharadiya Durgotsab will begin on 17 October with Maha Sashthi. It will be followed by Saptami on 18 October, Ashtami on 19 October, Nabami on 20 October and, after the Dashami puja on 21 October, the five-day festival will end with the immersion of the idols.
According to sources at the district Puja Udjapan Parishad, Durga Puja will be held at a total of 543 mandaps in the three upazilas of the district this year – 249 in Sadar upazila, 150 in Lohagara upazila and 144 mandaps in Kalia upazila.
President of the district Puja Udjapan Committee Adv Pankaj Bihari Ghosh Anna told BSS that the police and the district administration have taken all kinds of measures for a peaceful celebration of the puja and that the highest security has been ensured at every temple. Members of the law and order forces, including police and Ansar-VDP members, are deployed for the task; CCTV cameras have been installed at the important mandaps and there is no apprehension over security. In his words, Durga Puja has now turned into a universal festival – alongside the Hindu community, everyone takes part in it irrespective of caste, religion and creed.
Narail Superintendent of Police Md Al Mamun Sikder told BSS that there will be extensive security at the mandaps before, during and after the puja. Male and female Ansar members will be on duty round the clock at every mandap and police will be deployed at the important mandaps; members of the law and order forces will also perform duty round the clock, there will be intelligence surveillance, and traffic police will remain active to handle congestion.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Mohammad Abdul Salam told BSS that the district administration has allocated 600 kg of rice for each mandap. If anyone tries to create a disturbance or carry out any malicious activity surrounding Durgotsab, he will be brought under the law; the administration is active to complete the puja peacefully. Alongside the law and order forces, volunteers will also work at every mandap for overall security. He expressed the hope that Durga Puja will be observed in a festive and peaceful atmosphere.
Member of Parliament for Narail-1 and president of the district BNP Biswas Jahangir Alam said a monitoring committee has been formed on behalf of the BNP so that the upcoming Durgotsab is held in a smooth and festive atmosphere.
