Preparations for Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the followers of Sanatan religion, are underway in Bogura as well as across the country. Artists are working day and night to make idols. Somewhere, the work of painting has already started. The main ritual of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the followers of traditional religions, is going to start on October 11 with the Shashthi. The idol artisans are busy at the last moment as the time of worship is approaching. After making various idol structures including Durga with straw, wood, yarn and soil, the work of painting the idol is almost complete. The artisans are skillfully painting various idols including Goddess Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi and Ganesha.
The Durga festival actually increased the value of these potters. At other times of the year they make a living by working in various occupations including agriculture. These idol artists have lived a dehumanized life in the Covid-10 era. Despite concerns about the coronavirus, they have been busy making idols. The work of making the idol has to be completed at the right time and they are busy day and night with four or five additional workers.
Haradhan Mahanta of Sadullapur village in Sadar union of Shibganj upazila said that he has received orders for 12 idols this time. The pace of work has increased since the beginning of September. They have less chance to catch their breath this whole month. However, there is no idol making work at other times of the year. With this one and a half month income, their families run for the whole year. The demand for their earthenware is not the same as before, which is why it has become difficult for them to stay in this profession.
The formality of worship will begin with the invitation and abode of the ten-armed goddess Durga in the Shashthi. Forgetting the differences between high and low, rich and poor, for the next four days, all Bengalis, including Hindus, will observe the Durgotsab. The Goddess will bid farewell on October 15 by immersion.
According to Hindu beliefs and calendars, Goddess Durga will leave Kailash Parvat and return to her ancestral home on horseback or on horseback. The Goddess will bid farewell on Vijaya Dashami.
According to the Bogra District Worship Celebration Council, 692 Puja Mandaps will be held in the entire district this year. The number of worshipers has increased this year as compared to last year. Last year, the number of Mandaps was less than 635 due to Covid-19. The highest number of Pujas will be held in Sadar Upazila, 119 in Sherpur, 7 in Gabtali and 692 in all. Dilip Kumar Dev, president of Bogura District Puja Celebration Parishad, said, "Durga Puja will be held in 692 places in the district this time." All worships will be in formal manner. Following the hygiene rules, we will celebrate the five-day-long autumn festival, he added.
Bogra Municipal Puja Celebration Parishad, said they would take necessary steps to comply with hygiene rules including hand sanitizers and masks in each Mandap.
Lion Kabiraj Tarun Kumar Chakraborty, councilor of ward 3 of the municipality and general secretary of Dattabari Devseba Board of Trustees, said that Puja this year is being organized in accordance with the latest health rules of the government and measures will be taken to ensure that everyone abides by the health rules.
Bogura Superintendent of Police Sudip Kumar Chakraborty said the district police had taken three levels of security measures during the Puja celebrations. A preparatory meeting has already been held to celebrate the Puja in a healthy and beautiful environment. The Puja celebration committee and police officials were present there. He hoped that the Puja would be celebrated in 692 Puja Mandaps in the district with proper security and active participation of all while maintaining religious harmony.
