Preparations for Durga Puja. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Sept 27, 2025 (BSS) - Preparations for Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, now on the final touch in Rajshahi city and across the districts under Rajshahi division.
 
Idol makers, commonly known as Pauls, are currently passing busy times giving final touches to the idols of Hindu deities. 
 
The five-day Sharadiya Durga Puja will formally begin tomorrow (Sunday) with Maha Shasthi, and conclude on October 2 with the immersion of the idols on Bijoya Dashami.
 
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, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are being deployed at important locations to ensure public safety.
 
Mandaps were constructed and decorated while temples across the city were adorned with colourful lights and festoons. Devotees and organisers are working tirelessly to complete arrangements in time.
 
Veteran idol maker Kartik Paul, who has been engaged in this profession for the past 27 years, told BSS he has crafted 40 idols in the last two months. 
"Each idol costs between Taka 35,000 and Taka 65,000."
 
He mentioned that nearly 100 Paul groups are currently engaged in idol making across Rajshahi, and approximately 100 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 were decorated beautifully, and within the next couple of days, the entire city wore 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 while 103 other 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.

All necessary security measures have been taken to make the celebration festive and successful, he added.
 
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.

Meanwhile, shopping ahead of Durga Puja has gained a peak in Rajshahi city and its adjacent areas with people thronging markets and malls to purchase dresses, worship items, and other festival essentials.