Khagrachhari, Sept 19 (V7N) – With Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, just around the corner, temples and mandaps across Khagrachhari district are abuzz with preparations. Artisans and organizers are working tirelessly to complete idols and decorations for the celebrations.
 
Using clay, straw, bamboo, ropes, and vibrant colors, craftsmen are shaping idols of Goddess Durga along with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesh, and Mahishasura. Central temples in Khagrachhari town and mandaps across nine upazilas—including Panchhari, Matiranga, Manikchhari, Guimara, and Mahalchhari—are witnessing round-the-clock work as artisans give final touches to the idols.
 
Idol-maker Babul Dey said, “Every year we wait eagerly for this work. It is not just a livelihood but also tied to deep religious devotion and love. We make Durga idols as if creating a mother figure.” He added that rising costs of raw materials have increased expenses this year.
 
Another artisan, Rubel, noted that costs now exceed Tk 50,000 per idol, depending on size and design, and the workload has been higher than in previous years.
 
Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate ABM Iftekharul Islam Khondakar confirmed that Durga Puja will be celebrated at 63 mandaps across the district and its upazilas. He said law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to ensure that the festival is observed peacefully and securely.
 
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