Durga Puja 4-tier security in Narayanganj. Photo: BSS

NARAYANGANJ, Sept 22, 2025 (BSS) - Sharadiya Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bangalee Hindu community, is knocking at the door. 

Like elsewhere in the country, preparations to celebrate the festival in the district are going on in full swing, with giving final shape to idols.

From the city to the countryside, Puja mandaps are being decorated in festive colors. Under the artistic hands of clay artisans, the 10-armed Goddess Durga is taking shape with clay and straw. 

Paintbrush strokes are bringing life to the goddess, along with idols of Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, Kartik, and their mounts (Bahan)- owl, swan, mouse and peacock.

According to the District Puja Udjapan Parishad, Durga Puja will be celebrated at 224 mandaps in Narayanganj this year. Of these, 79 are in Sadar upazila, 29 in Bandar, 44 in Rupganj, 35 in Sonargaon, and 37 in Araihazar upazilas.

With the celebration of Mahalaya, Devi Paksha has already begun. Durga Puja will formally begin with Maha Shashthi Puja on September 28. 

Idol makers are now running against the time and they are working day and night to give a final shape to the idols. 

At the Sri Sri Baldev Jew Akhra and Shiva Temple in Nitaiganj, artisan Niranjan Pal said, “We have been making idols for several months. With Puja so close, we are working day and night to complete the orders. Hopefully, we can finish everything on time.”

Joy K. Roy Chowdhury, Vice-President of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Kalyan Front, said, “Our preparations are nearly complete. Narayanganj has always been a city of harmony, where people of all faiths celebrate the festival together. There has never been a shortage of security here. We are ready to celebrate Durga Puja in a grand and festive manner.”

To ensure smooth and peaceful celebrations, the local administration has taken extensive preparations. Law enforcement agencies are working in coordination with the District Puja Udjapan Parishad.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) of Narayanganj, Tarek Al Mehdi, said, “Along with volunteers, law enforcement members will be on duty to ensure overall security. A four-tier security system will be in place, with Puja mandaps divided into three categories for security monitoring. In addition, RAB, the army, and executive magistrates will remain vigilant. There is no reason for concern regarding security.”