The idol of Goddess Durga, crafted entirely from jute for the Uttar Murarikati Palpara Puja Mandap in Kalaroa Municipality of Satkhira, becomes the center of the attraction this year.
The preparation of Durga Puja is going on in full swing across the country, with only six days left for the biggest religious festival for Bengali Hindus.
With the beginning of "Debipaksha", Mahalaya -- an auspicious occasion that heralds the advent of the Goddess -- is observed through different rituals across the country today, six days before the main phase of Puja.
The main phase of Puja will begin with the unveiling of the face of the deity, Kalparambho, Adhibash and Abahon (invocation) on the day of Maha Shasthi on September 28 and will end with the immersion of the idols on Bijoya Dashami on October 2.
Earlier, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus informed that Durga Puja will be held in more than 1,000 mandaps across the country this year than the previous year.
This year, 591 puja mandaps, including the Uttar Murarikati Palpara Puja Mandap in Kalaroa Municipality, have been prepared in Satkhira district.
The clay sculptors and idol makers and artisans are now passing their busiest time in giving the final touches on idols for Durga Puja.
The Uttar Murarikati Palpara Puja Mandap has caught the attention of the locals as their 12 idols including Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Gods Kartik, Ganesh and Asura Mahishasura are made of eco-friendly golden fibers.
The jute fibers have been cut into small pieces and smoothed with a comb which gives a golden glow to the idols, though the use of colors has been very minimal.
People of different classes and professions, regardless of religion and caste, are gathering there to see the idols.
The organizers informed that they have been working on idols since July 21. They also claimed it is the first time that an idol has been made with golden fibers in Bangladesh.
Earlier in 2023, an idol was made of Chinigura Chal (Aromatic Rice), which also caught a lot of attention.
"Puja has been taking place here since 1995. We have been making idols in different styles for the last few years, so that worshipers and visitors can enjoy them," said Palash Kumar Pal, general secretary of the Palpara Puja Committee, adding that they have used around 50 kg of jute to make the idols this year.
"The total cost, including the five days of the puja, will be approximately three lakh taka. Locals and expatriates will bear this expense. In addition, the government assistance has also been received," he added.
Some visitors, who went there to see the jute-made idols, said it is really difficult to believe it unless you see it. The golden glow burns the eyes.
Meanwhile, the local administration and police informed that there will be a three-tier security in the mandaps to ensure a peaceful celebration of the puja. There will be a sufficient number of members of the law enforcement agencies along with volunteers.
In addition, the administration has also instructed the mandap committees to install CCTV cameras in their respective premises.
"Durga Puja will be celebrated as per the instructions of the administration. The administration has assured us that they will provide adequate security this year. Government assistance has already been provided to the mandap committees," said Nityananda Amin, general secretary of the District Temple Association.
"The police will take strict action if anyone carries out any provocative activities through propaganda, rumors on social media, or in any other places. If anyone tries to create any chaos in the puja mandaps, we will also take legal actions," Satkhira Police Superintendent Md Monirul Islam told BSS.
"Durga Puja will be celebrated with a festive and joyful atmosphere this year. The district administration, police, RAB, army and BGB will take all measures to make this festival a success," said Satkhira Deputy Commissioner Mostaq Ahmed.
