Photo: BSS

KUSHTIA, Sept 17, 2025 (BSS) – Extensive preparations are underway at puja mandaps in Kushtia ahead of Durga Puja, the biggest festival of the Hindu community.

Compared to last year, the number of puja mandaps in Kushtia district has increased by 22, bringing the total to 250 this year.

During visits to various temples, it was seen that idol-making with clay is in full swing, while many idol artists, locally known as pauls, are busy painting the idols to complete their work within the stipulated time.

“Pauls are under a lot of pressure in recent days as the demand for idols is higher this year compared to last year,” said idol artist Kumaresh Das.

Bappi Bagchi, acting general secretary of Milpara Subarjanin Puja Mandir, said, “We hope that this year too, Durga Puja will be celebrated in a festive atmosphere like every year.” 

“With the cooperation and assurance of the administration, we are continuing our puja activities,” he said. 

He added, “Everyone in the area, regardless of race, religion or caste, stands by us during the festival.”

Palash Chakrabarti, priest of Kushtia Mahasmashan Temple, told BSS that Devi Paksha will begin with Mahalaya on September 21. Mahasashthi will be celebrated on September 28, while the Sharadiya Durga festival will conclude with the immersion of idols on October 2.

According to the District Puja Udjapan Parishad, the Sharadiya Durga Utsav will be celebrated in 250 pavilions across six upazilas of Kushtia. Of these, 81 will be in Sadar upazila, 59 in Khoksa, 59 in Kumarkhali, 28 in Mirpur, 11 in Bheramara and 12 in Daulatpur upazila.

Kushtia District Puja Udjapan Parishad General Secretary Advocate Joydev Biswas told BSS that 22 more pujas will be held this year compared to last year. He said the leaders of the Puja Celebration Parishad have already held a meeting with the administration regarding law and order.

Kushtia Superintendent of Police (SP) Md. Mizanur Rahman said that strict security measures will be ensured at every puja mandap. “Police and Ansar members will be deployed, and CCTV cameras will be installed at mandaps to strengthen overall security,” he added.

Kushtia Deputy Commissioner Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arefin told BSS that it is everyone’s right to celebrate their religious festivals freely and in a festive atmosphere. He said the government has declared zero tolerance against miscreants and strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to create unrest.