Preparations underway for Durga Puja at 206 mandaps across Jamalpur district. Photo : BSS

JAMALPUR, Sept 23, 2025 (BSS) - Preparations for celebrating Durga Puja, one of the greatest religious festivals of the Hindu community, are in the final stages across Jamalpur district.

Artisans are passing busy days as they rush to complete the idol-making works ahead of Shasthi, the opening day of the five-day celebration.

According to the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Jamalpur district unit, a total of 206 puja mandaps are being set up in the district this year, which is 17 more than the previous year.

District Relief and Rehabilitation Office sources said 57 puja mandaps will be set up in Jamalpur Sadar upazila, 43 in Sarishabari, 27 in Madarganj, 24 in Dewanganj, 19 in Islampur, 22 in Melandaha, and 14 in Bakshiganj upazila.

Subal Chandra Das, a member of the Hindu community in Jamalpur town, said preparations are going on in full swing, including buying new clothes for children and family members.

To support the festival, the District Relief and Rehabilitation Office has distributed 103 tonnes of rice among the puja mandap authorities. Each mandap received 500 kilograms of rice.

President of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Jamalpur district unit, Prodip Kumar Shom Ranu, said a festive mood is prevailing among the Hindu community centering Durga Puja.

Bipul Kanji Lal, priest of Doyamoyee Mondir, said the Tithi of Shasthi will begin in the morning on September 28. He added that Durga Puja has been celebrated at Radha Mohan Mondir for the last 65 years, and the number of puja mandaps has increased this year.

"We hope to celebrate the puja with due religious fervor. The festival will conclude on October 2 with the immersion of Durga idols," he said.

Deputy Commissioner Hasina Begum said all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that the Hindu community can celebrate the festival in a peaceful and joyous atmosphere.

She informed that four-tier security measures will be enforced at every puja mandap to maintain law and order, including monitoring through CCTV cameras.