Nirmal Sarkar, Bera
Hectic preparations are on for the biggest religious function of the Hindu community, Durga Puja here in Bera.
Hindu fanatics of Bera upazila of Pabna district are also preparing themselves to pay tribute to goddess Durga. A number of massive pandals are being erected for Durga Puja celebrations. Artisan of Bera Upazila are engaged in giving the final shape to idols of Goddess Durga and demon king Mahishasur across Bera and other villages.
The potters now have no time to breathe. Shashank Pal, a pottery artisan from Trimohani village of Bera upazila, Shasti Pal of Malda Para village, Vinay Pal of Charpara mahalla, Prana Gopal Pal of Pechakola village, spoke about the idol making.
Artisan Shashank Pal said that the cost of making idols has increased because of the increase in the value of the materials used in making the idol. So in making idols of different sizes, a minimum wage for Tk 30,000 to Taka 50000 is being charged. Shashti Pal, another artisan said that it cost Tk 15,000 to Tk 30,000 to buy such decorative costumes, such as Georgette's sari, lace, gold chumki and city gold jewelry which were formerly made of clay and color.
Decorator businessman Md Ujjal Hossain says, “This time I am working on the pandals of Bera, Santhia and Shahjadpur. According to the design of pandals, I charge Tk 25,000 to Tk 60,000. With the financing of Bera Bazar Municipality, Durga Puja is going to be held in the Bera Bazaar Municipal Kali Temple. Representatives of the municipal authorities are monitoring the temple to make it attractive.
Bhrigu Ram Haldar, president of Bangladesh Puja Parishad Bera Upazila Branch, said that Durgapuja was being held in a total of five-puja mandapa in Bera Upazila. When asked if there was any possibility of any unpleasant incident, he said, “No such incident had taken place. Above all, the administration is always alert and there is no reason for fear or panic.”
Asked about law and order situation during Puja, Shahid Mahmood Khan, officer in charge of Bera Model Police Station said, "We will take all measures to ensure that like every other year, the Hindu community can enjoy puja in a quiet and joyful environment."
In each of the temples, members of the police force, including members of Ansar's forces, will be on guard for 24 hours. There will be special surveillance outside the Bera municipal area, especially in village Pujo Mondops.
On 3 October, Shri Shardiya Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community will begin. People of the country are ready to celebrate the festival.
