This year, a total of 2,479 Durga Puja mandaps have been set up across Chattogram district, including private and ghat pujas. Among them, 277 mandaps are in the metropolitan area spread across 16 police stations, and 2,202 in the wider district, many of which are ghat pujas (simplified worship without idols).
The festivities began on Sunday with Mahalaya, marking the symbolic descent of Goddess Durga to Earth. According to tradition, devotees wake early on Mahalaya to listen to hymns from the Devi Mahatmya and the revered "Mahishasuramardini" chant, narrating Durga’s victory over the demon king Mahishasura. Rituals like tarpan (offering water to ancestors) are also performed, seeking peace for departed souls.
The main celebrations commence on 28 September (Saturday) with Shashthi Puja and will conclude on 2 October (Thursday) with Bijoya Dashami, when idols are immersed in water.
With the number of mandaps increasing this year, anticipation is high among the Hindu community. The Chattogram Puja Udjapon Parishad and district administration have taken significant steps to ensure smooth and secure celebrations.
Idol-making is at its peak in areas like Sadarghat, Dewanji Pukur Par, and Goalpahar, where artisans are busy bringing the goddess to life with vibrant colours and intricate detailing. Some prefer the classic Ajanta-style clay idols, where everything including jewellery and attire is sculpted and painted directly onto the idol.
Mandaps across the city and rural areas are being adorned with colourful lights, artistic pandals, and stages. Cultural events such as music, dance, and drama are being lined up to add vibrancy to the festivities.
To maintain order, the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) and district police have launched multi-layered security plans. CMP Commissioner Hasib Aziz confirmed the deployment of law enforcement at all major mandaps and idol immersion spots. Surveillance cameras will be installed, and control rooms activated to respond to emergencies. He urged organisers to contact 999 or the nearest police station if needed, and to ensure that CCTV systems and volunteer teams are in place at each venue.
District Police Superintendent Md. Saiful Islam Santu said Durga Puja is not just a religious event but a symbol of Bangladesh’s communal harmony. He outlined 17 key directives, including volunteer deployment, installation of CCTV, and communication with police control rooms for any security concerns. This year, 1,585 idol pujas and 617 ghat pujas will be held across the district.
To preserve the sanctity of the occasion, the Puja Udjapon Parishad has issued strict directives. President Prof. Arpan Kanti Banerjee stated that no DJ music or Hindi songs will be allowed at mandaps. Celebrations will be ‘sattvik’ (pure and disciplined), with an emphasis on devotion over festivity.
General Secretary Adv. Nikhil Kumar Nath reiterated that all puja organisers must comply with these guidelines, including the national directives set by the central puja committee.
Local political leaders, such as Sourav Priyo Pal, confirmed that all 277 pujas in the city are under the supervision of law enforcement, including police and Ansar personnel. Coordination meetings have been held with the administration, ensuring comprehensive support.
The Chattogram police have adopted the theme: “In the symphony of harmony, we sing the song of equality – not just religion, but humanity; not hatred, but unity.”
