Idol makers in Narsingdi are busy completing idols ahead of Sharadiya Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, with the festival drawing closer.
At workshops across the district, artisans are working day and night to complete the idols of Goddess Durga and other deities before sending them to puja mandaps.
During a visit to several idol-making workshops in Narsingdi Sadar upazila, it was found that artisans were shaping idols with straw over bamboo and wooden frameworks and applying layers of clay.
In some workshops, artisans were busy applying the final layers of clay and creating intricate designs, while painting work had already begun at others. The idols will later be decorated with ornaments and other embellishments.
Artisans were seen meticulously working on the eyes, faces, clothing and ornamental designs of Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Kartik and Ganesha.
Sabuj Das, an idol maker from the Seba Sangha area of Narsingdi Sadar upazila, told BSS that demand for idols is good this year, but production costs have also increased.
“There is demand for idols this year as in previous years. However, the cost of making idols has increased as the prices of necessary materials and artisans’ wages have gone up. As a result, the prices of idols are also somewhat higher,” he said.
He said the idol-making process starts several months before the puja. First, a framework is made with bamboo and wood, followed by shaping the figure with straw and applying several layers of clay.
After the clay dries, the idols are painted and decorated before being transported to the puja mandaps. As the puja approaches, the workload of the artisans increases significantly.
Idol makers said it takes several weeks to several months to complete an idol, depending on its size, design and craftsmanship. Larger idols and those with intricate designs require more time and labour and therefore cost more.
Meanwhile, extensive preparations are underway at puja mandaps across Narsingdi to celebrate Durga Puja peacefully and in a festive atmosphere.
A total of 361 puja mandaps are scheduled to hold Sharadiya Durga Puja in the district this year. The number may increase further, according to the Puja Udjapan Parishad sources.
Acting President of Narsingdi Puja Udjapan Parishad Makhon Das told BSS that the district administration has assured them of adequate security during the festival.
“The district administration has assured us that CCTV cameras will be installed at puja mandaps and several layers of security arrangements will be put in place alongside ensuring overall security,” he said.
He said they were hopeful of celebrating the puja without any hindrance as in previous years.
“We have no concerns about security. The district administration and law enforcement agencies have assured us of all-out cooperation,” he added.
According to the Puja Udjapan Parishad, measures are being taken to ensure security at every puja mandap as well as proper electricity connections, fire safety and a favourable law-and-order situation.
Necessary steps will be taken in coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure smooth movement of visitors and maintain a festive atmosphere during the celebrations.
The formalities of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bengali Hindu community, will begin on October 16 with Maha Shasthi and conclude with Bijoya Dashami on October 22.
Preparations for decoration and illumination have already begun at various puja mandaps across the district.
-BSS
