Preparations for Sharadiya Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Bengali Hindu community, are in full swing across Tangail district. Artisans are working around the clock across 1,357 mandaps (pavilions) to apply the final strokes of paint to the idols of Goddess Durga and her divine companions ahead of the festival.
According to the District Puja Celebration Committee, this year marks a record number of venue setups across Tangail’s 12 upazilas. Mirzapur leads the district with 270 mandaps, while Bhuyapur hosts 34. The distribution includes Tangail Sadar (233), Kalihati (182), Nagarpur (138), Delduar (128), Ghatail (94), Basail (81), Madhupur (60), Gopalpur (57), Sakhipur (44), and Dhanbari (36).
Across major temples in Tangail town—including Sri Sri Kalibari, Adalat Para, Thana Para, Registry Para, and Paradise Para—potters are completing the fine detailing of deities’ faces, garments, and ornaments over bamboo and clay frames.
However, artisans face economic pressures. Nishi Kanta Pal, a veteran idol maker crafting five sets across Tangail, Sirajganj, and Noakhali, noted that rising raw material costs have significantly squeezed profit margins. Remuneration for a complete set typically ranges between Tk 1 lakh and Tk 1.5 lakh depending on size and detail.
Meanwhile, the historic pandal at the residence of renowned philanthropist Ranada Prasad Saha in Mirzapur remains the district’s focal point. Craftsperson Achinta Pal from Magura is preparing the idols for the venue, which annually attracts dignitaries and visitors from home and abroad.
Formal rituals begin on October 16 with Ghat Sthapan on Maha Shashthi, following Maha Panchami on October 15. The festival progresses through Maha Saptami (October 17–18), Maha Ashtami (October 19), and Maha Navami (October 20), concluding with idol immersion on Vijaya Dashami (October 21). According to Hindu tradition, Goddess Durga arrives this year on a horse and departs by boat.
To ensure peaceful celebrations, local authorities have deployed multi-tiered security measures. Police, Ansar, VDP personnel, and volunteer teams from local puja committees will monitor every venue. CCTV cameras, a 24/7 monitoring cell, and special striking forces are also active.
"Preparations are nearly complete, and coordination meetings have been held with administrative officials," said Amal Banerjee, President of the District Puja Celebration Committee.
Tangail Superintendent of Police Muhammad Shamsul Alam Sarkar confirmed that intelligence surveillance and regular dialogue with community leaders are underway to maintain order and communal harmony throughout the festival.
