Durga Puja around the corner; 257 mandaps set up in Dhaka

Hindu community will celebrate Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the community, at 257 mandaps in Dhaka city this year.

Durga Puja will begin on 9 October and end with the 'Bijoya Dashami' procession and immersion of the idols of goddess Durga in water bodies on 13 October.

Puja mandaps have been installed at Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramkrishna Mission and Ashram, Banani, Kalabagan, Shakharibazar, Siddheswari Kali Temple, Ramna Kali Temple, Jagannath Hall at Dhaka University and other temples at Farmgate, and the historic areas of Shakharibazar and Tantibazar in Old Dhaka.

The last-minute preparations for the puja are going on in full swing, with artisans working to give finishing touch to the idols.

Buyers from the community are thronging city markets, branded shops and shopping malls to grab their best outfit.

Customers are gathering at traditional shops in Old Dhaka's Shakharibazar to buy essential items including shells, idol garments, bells, clay pots, earthen lamps, incense sticks, divine garlands, crowns, sarees, dhotis, panjabis, and various ornaments for the festival.

To prevent any untoward incidents during the Durga Puja celebrations, strict security measures have been taken nationwide. A central police control room will be set up at Dhakeshwari Temple compound to oversee the overall security of the mandaps in the capital.

Following a visit to the national temple on Saturday, Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman said, "Everyone in this country has equal rights. Each person will practice their own religion. Everything necessary will be done for this."

He assured that the army will be present for security, encouraging attendees to visit the pavilions without fear. "We aim to create a enjoyable environment where everyone can celebrate the festival," he said.

Over 212,192 members of Ansar and VDP will be deployed across 32,666 mandaps across the country.

Moreover, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members will remain vigilant.