Rajshahi prepares for vibrant and secured Durga Puja celebrations. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Sept 17, 2025 (BSS) - Preparations are in full swing for the celebration of the upcoming Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, in Rajshahi city and across the districts under Rajshahi division.

Idol makers, commonly known as Pauls, are currently passing busy days giving final touches to the idols of Hindu deities. With only ten days remaining before the five-day Durgotsab begins on September 28, they are working round-the-clock to ensure timely completion.

The Durga Puja festival will commence with Shasthi on September 28 and conclude with Dashami on October 2, marked by the immersion of idols in rivers and water bodies.

In Rajshahi city, both the district and metropolitan administrations have taken comprehensive steps to ensure smooth and peaceful celebration of the festival. Law enforcement agencies including police, Ansar, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are being deployed at important locations to ensure public safety.

Mandaps are being constructed and decorated, while temples across the city are being adorned with colourful lights and festoons. Devotees and organisers are working tirelessly to complete arrangements in time.

Veteran idol maker Kartik Paul told BSS, who has been engaged in this profession for the past 27 years, said he has crafted 40 idols in the last two months. "Each idol costs between Taka 35,000 and Taka 65,000".

He also mentioned that nearly 100 Paul groups are currently engaged in idol making across Rajshahi, and approximately 75 percent of the work has already been completed.

Swapon Ghosh, a devotee and organiser at a puja mandap in the city's Kumarpara area, said preparations are in their final stage, and the atmosphere is gradually turning festive.

Rajshahi city unit General Secretary of Puja Udjapan Parishad Shyamal Kumar Ghosh said Durga Puja will be celebrated in a joyous and harmonious manner. "Temples and mandaps are being decorated beautifully, and within the next couple of days, the entire city will wear a festive look," he added.

To bolster security, the authorities are installing close-circuit cameras at key mandaps. Coordination meetings have already been held between law enforcement agencies and puja committee leaders.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Dr Muhammad Shahjahan informed BSS that Durga Puja will be celebrated in 3,449 mandaps across the eight districts of Rajshahi division, including 103 mandaps in Rajshahi metropolis.

The Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) has stepped up intelligence surveillance and is closely monitoring the overall situation.

"We are committed to ensuring the celebration of this religious festival in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and communal harmony," said RMP Commissioner Abu Sufiyan. He added that all necessary security measures have been taken to make the celebration festive and successful.

Meanwhile, Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) has taken up various initiatives to keep the city clean and ensure civic amenities during the puja days. Special cleanliness drives are planned to maintain hygiene and ensure a pleasant environment for devotees and visitors.

The RCC authorities have urged all citizens to cooperate in maintaining cleanliness and decorum during the festival to make the Sharodiya Durga Puja celebrations more vibrant and joyful.