Durga Puja at 31 mandaps in Bandarban

In the seven upazilas of Bandarban, Durga Puja festivities have been organized at 31 puja mandaps for the followers of the Sanatan (Hindu) religion. As in previous years, the largest puja mandap in Dakkhin Chattogram has been constructed at the local Rajar Math in the district headquarters, modeled after a royal palace. The main festivities of the five-day-long Durga Puja began at 6:30 PM on Wednesday. The inauguration ceremony featured Brigadier General Md. Mehedi Hasan PSC, Commander of the 69th Army Region, as the chief guest. Other special guests were include Lieutenant Colonel ASM Mahmudul Hasan, Commander of the Sadar Army Zone, Deputy Commissioner Shah Mojahid Uddin, Superintendent of Police Md. Shahidullah Kawsar, along with other dignitaries.

According to the Durga Puja Celebration Committee, the Sanatan Hindu community is celebrating the festival with great enthusiasm, with Durga Puja being held in 31 mandaps across the district this year. Among them, there are 11 in the Sadar upazila, 8 in Lama, 5 in Alikadam, 1 in Ruma, 1 in Roangchhari, 2 in Thanchi, and 3 in the border upazila of Naikhongchhari. The central mandap, modeled after a royal palace, has been constructed at Rajar Math, which is the largest puja mandap in South Chattogram. Artists have crafted the idols of Durga-Mahishasura, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartik, decorating them with vibrant colors. Various stalls have been set up around the puja premises, offering toys and food for children’s entertainment.

Ananda Das, General Secretary of the Bandarban Durga Puja Celebration Committee, said that the Durga Puja at the central mandap began on Wednesday evening. The festival is being organized under the supervision of the Puja Celebration Committee at all 31 mandaps in the district. This year, various events will be held over the course of five days, with the festival concluding on October 13th with the immersion of the idols. Alongside law enforcement, volunteers from the celebration committee have been deployed to ensure the security of the mandaps. In this district known for its harmony, Durga Puja has always become a gathering of people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, and the organisers hope that this year will be no exception.

Confirming the matter, Bandarban's Additional Superintendent of Police, Abdul Karim, stated that police have been deployed to ensure the security of all 31 puja mandaps across the seven upazilas of the district. A team of 12 to 15 police officers is stationed at each mandap, providing round-the-clock security. Additionally, mobile police units are patrolling the area continuously.