Actress Puja Chery has drawn attention to the deeper message of Durga Puja after visiting the much-discussed ‘Ripu Rajani’ mandap at Talukdar Bari Banimandir in North Kattali, Chattogram, on Maha Navami.
Dressed in a black sari featuring intricate zari and threadwork, Puja shared photographs from her visit on social media, including moments of prayer at another puja venue.
In her Navami message, the actress emphasised that worship should extend beyond rituals to standing against injustice and protecting women and vulnerable people.
She wrote that establishing the goddess in a temple is easy, but embodying her values in one’s consciousness is far more difficult. She added that defeating evil should be a daily commitment rather than a concept confined to mythology.
Celebrating its 58th year, the Banimandir puja is organised by the Sebakhola and Baikunthadham Puja Celebration Council. This year’s theme, ‘Ripu Rajani’, explores the struggle against six inner enemies: lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and envy.
The mandap has attracted crowds with its distinctive metal idols, intricate detailing, artificial fog and blue laser lighting. Optimistic De developed the concept, while artist Kartik Pal worked on the idol’s detailing.




