Staff Reporter:

This year, Durga Puja will be celebrated at 525 mandaps in nine upazilas of Sirajganj district.

Ahead of the festival, artisans are already busy crafting the idols. They said each idol is being sold at prices ranging from Tk 12,000 to Tk 150,000. Buyers not only come from Sirajganj but also from neighboring districts such as Pabna, Bogura, Natore and Tangail to purchase idols from here.

“A visit to Bhadra Ghat Palpara in the district reveals that artisans are spending busy days crafting idols. Men, women and children all pitch in, with some constructing idol frameworks from straw, wood, and threads, while others skillfully shape the figures of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. After the frameworks are ready, the main clay molding work is underway and some artisans have already begun painting the idols once they are dried.”

Idol artisan Shrikant Pal said that, 15 idols are being made at his own house this year. Each idol will be sold at prices ranging from Tk 40,000 to Tk 150,000. He added that the demand this year is much higher compared to the past few years.

Sanjib Pal stated that each idol made here is being sold for Tk 12,000 to Tk 150,000. At his house, five male and female workers are engaged in the work. The daily wage for male workers is Tk 1,200, while female workers receive Tk 600.

He also said, idols are being made in around 12 households in Bhadra Ghat Palpara, with over a hundred male and female workers engaged in the work. After meeting the local demand in the district, these idols will be sent to various districts of North Bengal, including Pabna, Bogura, Natore and Tangail. He added that it takes about 10 days to complete a single idol.

Ashok Banerjee, President of the District Brahman Welfare Association, said that the main religious festival of Hindus, Sharadiya Durga Puja, will begin on September 28 with the Mahashasthi worship and conclude on October 2 with the immersion of the idols on Vijayadashami, marking the end of this five-day religious festival.