Satkhira prepares for Durga Puja with 200 mandaps
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Last-minute preparations have begun in Tala, Satkhira, centering around the Durga Puja. This year, Durga Puja will be held in 200 mandaps across 12 unions of the upazila.
The construction of idols is complete, and painting, mandap decoration, and lighting work are currently underway. Alongside this, various security measures are being taken to ensure a smooth festival. Organizers and artisans are passing busy times waiting for the beating of dhaks (traditional drums) and the arrival of the Goddess.
Officials concerned with the Upazila Puja Udjapan Parishad said Durga Puja will be held in 20 mandaps in Dhandia Union, 10 in Nagarghata Union, 21 in Sarulia Union, 14 in Kumira Union, 10 in Tentulia Union, 20 in Tala Sadar Union, 21 in Islamkati Union, 11 in Magura Union, 20 in Khalishkhali Union, 13 in Khesra Union, 14 in Jalalpur Union, and 26 in Khalilnagar Union.
Visiting various mandaps, organizers were seen busy with preparations. In some places, the final touch of paint is being applied to idols, while in other places, mandap decoration work is ongoing.
Under the hands of artisans, the idols of Durga are gradually coming to perfection as they work day and night to finish idol construction. Lighting and the construction of arches are taking place at the mandaps.
Along with the Kumira and Patkelghata Harisabha mandaps, final decorative preparations are also underway in mandaps located in remote areas.
Sanatan religion followers are busy shopping ahead of the Puja. Crowds of shoppers are increasing in shopping centers and markets in the town to purchase new clothes, shoes, cosmetics, and various items for children.
Many are spending busy hours shopping with their family members, while sellers expressed hope that sales will increase further in the final days surrounding Durga Puja.
Upazila Puja Udjapan Parishad General Secretary Narayan Majumder said, “This year, Durga Puja will be held in the highest number of mandaps in Tala. Preparations have been made to maintain a festive atmosphere at every mandap ahead of the Puja. Work is being carried out in coordination with the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure security. Special attention is being given so that no unpleasant incident occurs anywhere. For this reason, all idols will be immersed by 7 pm this time.”
Tala Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Tofazzal Hossain added that security measures have been strengthened at every Puja mandap surrounding Durga Puja. A three-tier security perimeter is being established at mandaps, temples, and key roads. Alongside the deployment of Police and Ansar, regular patrols and intelligence surveillance have been increased, with law enforcement agencies remaining on alert to avoid any untoward incident.
Satkhira District Superintendent of Police Abu Saleh Md Ashraful Alam told on Monday that after inspecting various mandaps, special surveillance will be maintained to control traffic congestion, prevent reckless movements of teenagers, and control drugs. If anyone attempts to deteriorate the law and order situation, legal action will be taken.
