Biswajit Mondal, Voice 9, Dhaka Bureau
Shardia Durga Puja is considered to be the most significant religious festival among Hindus. The artisans are currently engrossed in their work, meticulously scraping off the last remnants of paint as they prepare for the puja.
The process of making idols, constructing pandals, and arranging the lighting is progressing rapidly. This year, the festival will be held in a total of 144 puja mandaps located in the Khulna district. To ensure the smooth running of the festival, the administration has implemented various measures.
Three levels of security will be in place to maintain order and safety.
The Puja Udyapan Parishad has also established strict guidelines, which include adhering to hygiene regulations, refraining from using high-powered sound devices, providing separate security for women, men, and children, upgrading CCTV cameras in the Puja pandals and surrounding areas, ensuring alternative power supply, and having fire-fighting equipment readily available. In cases of emergencies, the authorities have emphasized the importance of dialing 999.
A total of 25 instructions have been issued to ensure compliance with these guidelines. According to the Puja Udyapan Parishad, a total of 144 pujas will be conducted in both the Khulna Upazila and the city, which is 25 more than the previous year. Among these, there will be 27 pujas in Sadar, 13 in Sonadanga, 10 in Khalishpur, 21 in Daulatpur, 9 in Khanjahan Ali, 5 in Harintana, 10 in Saltachara, and 40 in the ArangghataThanaa area.
Additionally, 11 of these pujas will be organized by families.
Furthermore, there will be puja ceremonies held in 909 temples across nine upazilas in the district. As is customary, the highest number of pujas will be held in Dumuria upazila, with a total of 214 pujas taking place.
Additionally, there will be 34 pujas in Phultala, 155 in Paikgacha (including 6 in the municipality), 84 in Dakop (including 10 in Chalna municipality), 114 in Batiaghata, 75 in Rupsa, 113 in Terkhada, 63 in Dighlia, and 57 in Koira upazila. All of these areas will be participating in this grand religious festival.
