With the rhythmic beat of dhak and the echo of conch shells, Magura is brimming with excitement as the Hindu community prepares to celebrate Durga Puja.
This year, the festival will be observed at 621 temples across the district, up from 544 last year. The five-day celebration begins on September 28 with Shashthi Puja and ends on October 2 with Bijoya Dashami.
Artisans are giving final touches to idols in various mandaps. In Boiddya Bari, kumor (potter) families are busy with painting and decorations, while curious children from nearby homes crowd around the workshops.
Idol-makers, however, say soaring prices of straw, bamboo, paint, and other materials have made the work difficult. Although wages have increased slightly, they do not match the rising expenses. Still, the craftsmen remain determined to uphold their tradition and have urged for government support to sustain the centuries-old craft.
Organisers say preparations are in place despite higher costs. Bot-tola Puja Committee General Secretary Tushar Kumar Saha said arrangements have been made for idol-making, decoration, and round-the-clock security with CCTV cameras.
“The festival will be celebrated with due tradition and religious fervour, as it is the biggest religious event for the Hindu community,” said Chinmayananda Maharaj, principal of Nanduali Sri Sri Nitai Gour Gopal Sebashram.
Magura Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ohidul Islam said the administration has taken extensive measures to ensure a peaceful celebration. Each temple has been mapped on Google for 24-hour monitoring. Police, Ansar members, mobile teams, and CCTV surveillance will be deployed, while army patrols will be carried out regularly. He added that the government is also providing financial assistance to each mandap.
As the festival nears, excitement has already gripped the people of Magura, with the district preparing for Durga Puja in a jubilant yet secure environment.
