With just six days remaining before Durga Puja, busyness is escalating in Chattogram as the festival draws near. Across various idol workshops (pratimalay) in the city, work on the final stages of idol making is currently underway.
In some places, clay work has been completed and preparations for colouring are in progress, while in others, artisans are carving the final features onto the face of the Goddess.
Simultaneously, artisans are spending busy hours giving full form to the deities with clothing, hair, and jewellery.
Beyond idol crafting, last-minute preparation for decorations is also underway at various puja mandaps in the city, with theme-based work advancing in some locations and lighting and pavilion design work being executed in others.
Shopper footfall is likewise rising at major markets across the city, including New Market, Reazuddin Bazar, Teri Bazar, and Jahur Hawkers Market.
A flurry of activity is being witnessed at various idol workshops in the city, including Sadarghat, Dewanji Pukurpar, Enayetbazar-Goalpara, Chatteswari Road, Hazarilane, Patharghata, and Nalapara.
A similar picture is evident across all 15 upazilas of the district, including Chandanaish, Fatikchhari, and Banshkhali.
A total of 2,568 mandaps are hosting Durga Puja in Chattogram this year, comprising 294 mandaps in the city and 2,274 mandaps across the 15 upazilas of the district.
According to figures from the Chattogram District Puja Udjapan Parishad, these consist of 1,655 Pratima Pujas (idol worship) and 619 Ghat Pujas. Compared to last year, the number of pujas in the district has increased by 72, while the metropolitan area has seen an increase of two.
District Puja Udjapan Parishad list shows that eight upazilas in South Chattogram are hosting a total of 1,396 pujas, comprising 796 Pratima Pujas and 600 Ghat Pujas.
Meanwhile, seven upazilas in North Chattogram are hosting 878 pujas in total, including 859 Pratima Pujas and 19 Ghat Pujas.
Advocate Nikhil Kumar Nath, general secretary of Chattogram Mahanagar Puja Udjapan Parishad, explained that although South Chattogram accounts for a higher total number of pujas, North Chattogram leads in terms of Pratima Pujas, whereas South Chattogram has a higher dominance of Ghat Pujas.
Theme-based mandaps and artisanal precision
Alongside idol making, intense last-minute activity surrounds the decoration of puja mandaps. Tonmoy Das is currently giving shape to Sarbojonin Puja Mandap at Uttar Kattali Kalibari.
This year, the mandap’s concept is “Obinnoshor” (Indestructible), which aims to highlight the spiritual pursuit of understanding the cycle of life, death, creation, and destruction.
Conversely, a puja mandap in South Nalapara is being decorated around the theme “Para-Mahalla” (Neighbourhood), depicting the tradition, culture, and harmony of local neighbourhoods.
Clay artisan Sujoy said an idol maker’s role is no longer limited to simply crafting an idol; the physical form of the Goddess must now be sculpted in harmony with the mandap’s concept, design, and environment.
Festive shopping surges amidst price hikes
Preparations ahead of Durga Puja have also heightened busyness across various markets and shopping malls in the city.
Traders at major commercial hubs, including New Market, Reazuddin Bazar, Teri Bazar, and Jahur Hawkers Market, are fully prepared with apparel and puja accessories. Special discounts, prize schemes, and fairs are being organised at various locations.
Sellers are occupied showcasing a wide array of clothing, including sarees, three-pieces, panjabis, dhotis, shirts, and trousers.
Shops selling footwear, cosmetics, and imitation jewellery are also drawing shoppers, with relatively heavier crowds reported at women’s and children’s apparel outlets.
Among women, there is strong demand for various types of gowns alongside sarees and three-pieces, while traders have displayed children’s garments in diverse colours and designs.
However, traders remarked that despite customer presence, sales have not gathered the expected momentum yet. They attributed this to price hikes, which have compelled many shoppers to restrict their purchases strictly to essential items.
Sathi Rani Dey, a shopper who travelled to Chattogram from Cox’s Bazar, shared, “Puja signifies joy. I am attempting to purchase new clothes and necessary items. However, prices are relatively high this time, so I have to manage necessary shopping within my budget.”
A salesperson from Walia’s Diary at Prabartak Mimi Super Market said “Mimi Fest” is underway at Mimi Super Market with special discounts for the Puja season. He added that while sales have picked up slightly, customer turnout has not yet met expectations, though traders anticipate momentum to build as the festival draws closer.
Selim Jahangir, proprietor of Naufa Fashion Boutiques at Apollo Shopping Centre, noted that sales at his shop have begun to rise ahead of Durga Puja.
Strict security and event management protocols
Law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to enforce maximum security across Chattogram.
To prevent any recurrence of the embarrassing situation that occurred on stage at JM Sen Hall in 2024, Puja Udjapan Parishad affirmed that maximum caution will be maintained in event management this year.
All event programmes will be fixed and recorded in writing beforehand, and lists of participating organisations, artists, and performers will also be finalised in advance.
Nikhil Kumar Nath said, “We hope for the administration’s cooperation and sincerity to ensure a spontaneous celebration. We have a meeting scheduled with the Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner on 5 October. The police are providing us sufficient cooperation in securing the mandaps.”
Chattogram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Zahidul Islam Miah assured that Chattogram District Administration is taking all necessary measures to celebrate Durga Puja in a festive atmosphere.
He said, as in previous years, Sharadiya Durga Puja will be celebrated across the district in an atmosphere of communal harmony, religious solemnity, festivity, and peace, adding that the present government is according the highest priority to this matter.
Regarding overall security and preparations, CMP Assistant Commissioner (Public Relations) Aminur Rashid said a meeting involving all relevant stakeholders will be held within a few days to decide on comprehensive security arrangements for the Puja, and necessary measures will be taken keeping all factors properly in view.
This year, Mahalaya falls on 10 October, while the main Durga Puja will commence on 16 October with Maha Sasthi and conclude on 21 October with Vijaya Dashami.
