With the arrival of Sharadiya Durgotsav, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, a wave of festive joy and intense activity is sweeping across the six upazilas of Nilphamari. Meticulous last-minute preparations are underway at every puja mandap. Sculptors are working round-the-clock to adorn Goddess Durga and other deities in eye-catching beauty. Through the artistic touch of the artisans, straw, bamboo, and clay are being transformed into exquisite and lifelike idols.
According to sources from the District Puja Celebration Council and Puja Celebration Front, Sharadiya Durga Puja is set to be celebrated at a total of 890 puja mandaps across six upazilas in Nilphamari district this year, which is several more than last year. As the festival approaches, busyness at the mandap premises continues to heighten—at some places, the final touches of clay work are being completed, while at others, idols are being decorated in striking attire with paint, ornaments, crowns, and new garments. As the festival days draw near, the enthusiasm and excitement among mandap officials, idol sculptors, and general devotees are reaching a crescendo. Decorating the mandaps, installing modern lighting, and constructing visually appealing pandals are also progressing at full speed.
Sharing his experience of crafting idols, Shyamal Paul, an idol artisan from Milon Pally Sarbajanin Durga Temple in Nilphamari Sadar Upazila, said, “This year, I have taken up the task of creating idols for 3 mandaps. I am working day and night to finish the work well before the scheduled time. Although our production costs have increased significantly, we are not receiving prices from the mandaps in proportion to that. Nevertheless, this is not just a livelihood for us; crafting the idol of the Mother brings a special feeling and satisfaction. Hence, despite all the fatigue, the work never stops.” Shri Pradip Kumar Das, General Secretary of Milon Pally Temple, stated, “Sharadiya Durgotsav is not merely a religious festival; it is a symbol of our harmony, reunion, and universal joy. Like every year, Durga Puja is being celebrated at Milon Pally Temple in an atmosphere of great solemnity and joy. We warmly invite devotees and well-wishers from all walks of life to visit Milon Pally Temple.”
Emotionally moved, Sadananda Paul, an idol artisan at the historic Shri Shri Anandamoyi Kalimata Temple in Nilphamari Sadar Upazila, said, “When I embody the form of Goddess Durga in my heart and begin crafting the idol, I forget all the fatigue and hardships of the world. Even after working continuously from morning till late at night, a divine joy fills my mind. Because this is no ordinary clay work; it is the ultimate expression of our devotion and worship.”
Tapas Saha, General Secretary, and Jhantu Bhowmik, Joint General Secretary of the same temple, remarked, “Sharadiya Durga Puja signifies a grand gathering of harmony and universal joy. The clay work for the idols at our temple is finished, and vibrant decoration work is currently ongoing. Following all social and health guidelines of the government and adhering to instructions from law enforcement agencies, we aim to present a well-organized festival. Maintaining an atmosphere of harmony as in the past, we extend our heartfelt Sharadiya greetings and best wishes to the Hindu community in Nilphamari as well as people from all walks of life across the country.”
Highlighting the current crisis in the pottery and idol-making industry, senior artisan Kalipada Paul from Domar Upazila said, “I have been associated with this profession for the past 20 years. However, with the steep rise in the prices of bamboo, straw, paint, and clay in recent times, surviving in this profession is becoming harder day by day. Profits are no longer what they used to be, yet this is our traditional heritage handed down by our ancestors. Out of love for this art and culture, we continue to hold on to this work.”
Regarding the organization and policy guidelines, leaders of the District Puja Celebration Council and Puja Celebration Front stated, “Overall preparations for a peaceful event involving both local elders and youth are in their final stages. Specific guidelines have been issued to maintain the sanctity of the puja—beyond religious rituals and solemnity, any form of vulgar culture, unwanted dancing or singing, and playing loud modern music at the mandaps are strictly prohibited. Along with government aid, the sincere cooperation of local people from all walks of life has made us hopeful. We expect that Durga Puja will once again be celebrated in Nilphamari in a harmonious and festive atmosphere.”
Reassuring the public regarding overall security and law and order during the festival, Nilphamari Superintendent of Police Farhad Khan, PPM, firmly stated, “To ensure that devotees across all 890 puja mandaps in the district can celebrate the puja in a highly joyful, safe, and hassle-free environment, the district police have taken comprehensive and strict measures. Coordination meetings have already been conducted with the presidents and general secretaries of the Puja Celebration Councils of all upazilas, local dignitaries, and UP chairmen. Along with Ansar and police personnel, volunteer teams will be deployed at every mandap. Law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared around the clock alongside intelligence surveillance to deal with any untoward situation.”
