C T Online Desk: The skilled idol artisans of Chittagong are currently engrossed in creating captivating idols, the focal point of the grandest religious festival in the Bangali Hindu community, Durga puja.
The seasoned craftsmen are labouring tirelessly, leaving no room for rest as they strive to present the idols to pilgrims at the appointed times.
Amidst the festivities, the artisans are toiling through the night, sculpting idols to epitomize the immeasurable beauty of Goddess Durga. The meticulous craftsmanship continues from dawn till late into the night.
As the puja day draws near, Chittagong’s idol makers are working fervently, utilizing materials like bamboo, wood, yarn, straw, and clay to fashion their masterpieces, observed throughout various pavilions in the city.
Meanwhile, Tapan Pal, a senior artisan from Tapan Pal Mrit Shilpaloi in the Sadarghat area of the city, is meticulously painting the idols.
He told Dhaka Tribune: “We have a substantial workload right up to the moment before Puja. The task of creating idols is assigned from various mandops in Chittagong. At present, we’re focused on the decorative aspects of the idol, actively painting and providing the final finishing touches. Our factory has approximately seven workers, and currently, everyone is fully occupied.”
According to sources, 35 Protimaloys (clay idol workshops) in Chittagong are actively engaged in crafting the idols.
These workshops, scattered across various parts of the city, operate year-round, but their pace intensifies as the Durga puja approaches.
With the onset of autumn, Durga, the goddess of power, descends to her earthly abode, reuniting with family from heaven.
This year, the grand Hindu festival will commence on Saturday, marking Mahalaya and heralding the arrival of Goddess Durga. The countdown to Durga Puja commences on Mahalaya day, and the much-anticipated autumnal festival will officially start on October 20, with Mahasashti.
Security tightened
According to sources, a total of 293 (permanent and temporary) puja mandaps across 16 police stations in Chittagong metropolis will celebrate Durga Puja from October 20 to 24.
Meanwhile, in a proactive measure for enhanced security, CCTV cameras have already been installed in 109 out of the 293 puja mandaps in Chittagong Metropolis. The remaining installations are slated to be completed 2 to 3 days before the puja commences.
During the security coordination meeting for Sharadiya Durga Utsav 2023 at Chittagong CMP on October 8, Police Commissioner Krishna Pad Roy conveyed a strong message.
He said: “No one will be allowed to disrupt Durga Puja festivities before the elections. While there’s no specific threat information, we have detailed plans in place to handle any potential attacks.”
Drawing from past experiences, he emphasized their proactive stance, saying: “We won’t stand idly by. We’re deploying one and a half thousand forces across the metropolitan area, and our determination is to ensure a smooth Puja celebration.”
Commissioner Krishna further outlined security arrangements, saying: “As in previous years, police and Ansar forces will be stationed at each mandop based on the type of puja. Additionally, RAB will provide continuous security. A dedicated fire brigade team will be on standby for immediate fire control, particularly during the Bijoya Dashami on the final day of the festival.”
