Idol-makers in Pabna busy ahead of Durga Puja

PABNA, Oct 9: Ahead of Durga Puja, which will begin on October 16, the idol-makers here are busy making idols of Durga and other deities.

According to the District Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad, this year Durga Puja will be held in 363 mandaps in nine upazilas. Of the mandaps, 51 are in Pabna Sadar, 30 in Ishwardi, 15 in Atghoria, 52 in Chatmohar, 63 in Bera, 21 in Bhangura, 55 in Sujanagar, 17 in Faridpur, and 41 in Santhia upazilas. 

An idol-maker Manoj Kumar said making idols is more expensive than before as the raw materials have become costlier. “I have made idols for five temples in the district headquarters this year. I am charging Tk 45,000 to Tk 50,000 for each idol.”

Veteran artisan Dhananjoy Kumar Pal said, “We need support to keep our hereditary profession and traditional art of idol-making. The profession may face dissolution for the time being unless we receive support.”

“Depending on the size, an idol’s price varies from Tk 30,000 to Tk 1.20 lakh. The cost of idols has not increased as much as the prices of clay, bamboo, twine, colour, hair, and idol decorations,” an idol-maker Satyen said.

Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam said, “We have taken a strong stance to hold the festival with joy. The district administration conducted a series of meetings with the army, SRB, police, UNOs, civil society members, and Hindu leaders. We requested Hindu leaders to set up CCTV cameras at each mandap.” 

RAB-12 Commander Khandoker Golam Mortuza said they are ready to provide 24-hour services during the puja festival. 

When talked, local Jamaat leader Principal Iqbal Hossain said a group of volunteers will work at the temples during the puja. 

Superintendent of Police Abu Ashraf said they held a meeting with community leaders on law and order.

Regarding the risks at temples during the Durga Puja in Pabna, Provash Bhadra, President of the District Puja Udjapan Parishad, said, “It is too difficult to comment now because everyone is both safe and at risk.”