From one mandap to another, artists are competing with each other to win the hearts of devotees with their artistic creations. (Daily Star)
From one mandap to another, artists are competing with each other to win the hearts of devotees with their artistic creations. (Daily Star)

DHAKA, Banglades (Daily Star/ANN) -- Preparations for Durga Puja, the biggest Hindu festival in Bangladesh, are in full swing in Old Dhaka's Shakhari Bazar and Tanti Bazar ahead of the celebrations.

Artisans are busy crafting idols of Durga, Kartik, Ganesh, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, while traders report brisk sales of decorative items.

From one mandap to another, artists are competing with each other to win the hearts of devotees with their artistic creations.

The narrow lanes of Shakhari Bazar are abuzz with buyers and sellers. During a recent visit to Shakhari Bazar and Tanti Bazar, this correspondent found idols nearing completion. Artisans, working day and night, are shaping the idols with clay, bamboo, straw, rope and colors.

"To make the idols, we collect clay from Manikganj and transport it to Dhaka," said idol maker Gopal Chandra Pal.

He added he has contracts for 12 idols this year -- 10 in Shakhari Bazar and two outside Dhaka.

Another artisan, Subrata Pal, said, "Prices of all materials have gone up, and the overall situation of the country is not good either. The puja came early this time, so we are facing extra pressure. Fees for making idols depend on the design. Many have ordered idols at lower costs, so the earnings have not really increased; it's almost the same as before."

Shiny dresses made of silk, velvet, and satin are also selling well.

Buyers are crowding shops from morning until late at night, with most purchasing sarees and clothes for the idols. Each mandap follows different themes, so demand varies widely.

Barun Dutta, owner of "Sajghar," a shop in Shakhari Bazar, said, "Compared to last year, prices are higher, which is why the number of buyers is a bit less. Most idols are being made in the Ajanta style this year, so the demand for sarees is relatively low. Still, overall sales are higher than last year."

On the security issue, Chandan Kumar Dey, president of the Tanti Bazar Puja Committee, said, "This year, Durga Puja will be celebrated in 21 mandaps in Shakhari Bazar and Tanti Bazar. We hope the festival will be observed peacefully."

He added that the number of CCTV cameras has been increased. Letters have also been sent to the army, police, Rapid Action Battalion, Detective Branch and Ansar, who have assured of maximum security during the festivities.


khnews@heraldcorp.com