Durga Puja is a major festival in Muslim-majority Bangladesh where close to 8 percent of more than 160 million people are Hindu.

Despite communal tensions in recent years during the largest festival of the Hindu community, participation of people from different faiths has given the celebration a unique character. 

This year, a major draw in Bagerhat district is the largest number of idols at a single puja mandap.

Also read: Disappointment in Bagerhat as Shikdar Bari avoids large-scale Durga Puja celebration for third year running

Organisers say a total of 151 idols of different deities have found their place, depicting the stories of Hindu epics – Ramayan and Mahabharat – at the Chulkathi Banikpara Puja Mandap in Bagerhat’s Sadar upazila.

The display is attracting not only Hindus but also people from other communities to the Banikpara Mandap to have glimpses of the idols.

Celebration of Durga Puja began at the Banikpara Mandap in 2001 in a small way. But in 2005, a massive celebration was held with 101 idols.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the festival was subdued in 2020 and 2021. But now, as restrictions have eased, organisers have made a comeback by breaking all the previous records.

In Bagerhat district, Durga Puja is being celebrated at 632 mandaps this year, amid heightened security. Authorities have installed CCTV cameras with volunteers working tirelessly to avoid any untoward incidents.

Dipankar Kumar Sadhu, President of Chulkathi Banikpara Durga Puja Organising Committee, said that they were arranging the puja in a big way for a specific reason.

“The idols at the mandap are representing many epic stories of our religion. We’re trying to let people know about Hinduism. At the same time, we’re trying to inspire brotherhood and peace by welcoming everyone at the festival,” he said.

“In future, we’re planning to expand more,” he added. 

Ganesh Sarker, an idol maker, said that it has taken two and a half months for him and three other artisans to make the 151 idols.

“The idols have been made based on Ramayan and Mahabharat. We’ve used local and imported colours and ornaments to decorate them. We’ve tried to make them life-like,” said Ganesh.

Visitors to the mandap were overwhelmed.

 Also read: Durga puja fervour grips Bangladesh

“We wait for this festival. I’ve learned a lot about the Hindu religion after coming to the mandap. I think that such festivals should be organised everywhere in the country,” said Sushmita Rani.

Despite enthusiasm, some say they are concerned about communal violence.

Amit Roy, President of Bagerhat District Puja Udjapon Parishad, said they have taken precaution to avoid any untoward incident. 

“We’re anxious that fundamentalist groups could attack on us. That’s why we’ve deployed a good number of volunteers to ensure security. We urge the government to ensure security at all the puja mandaps across the country,” said Amit.

Mohammad Azizur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Bagerhat, said that the district administration has taken necessary steps so that people can celebrate the festival peacefully.

“The district and upazila administrations are monitoring the puja mandaps round the clock. We’ve told our officials to remain alert so that no one can spread any rumors,” Azizur said.

KM Ariful Haque, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Bagerhat, said that they have deployed security officials including Ansar personnel along with police.

He said local committees have also been formed at the mandaps to ensure harmony.