The air in Khulna is thick with excitement as the Hindu community’s largest annual religious celebration, Sharadiya Durga Puja, draws near. This year, preparations are more extensive than ever before.
The city and surrounding villages are alive with activity, as artisans immerse themselves in crafting elaborate idols of Goddess Durga and her divine entourage; Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesh and the demon Mahishasura.
According to Khulna Metropolitan and District Puja Celebration Committees, a total of 977 Durga Pujas will be held across the region, with 120 scheduled in the city and 857 in the greater district.
This marks an increase of 105 new mandaps compared to last year. The rise in numbers reflects renewed enthusiasm from local Hindu community and a broader spirit of cultural celebration.
The construction of pandals is underway in full swing, with vibrant colors, intricate artwork and dazzling lighting schemes transforming streets and neighborhoods into festive spectacles.
At many mandaps, visitors have already begun gathering to witness the idol-making process, creating an atmosphere of joyful anticipation.
Children and young people seem particularly excited, with festive spirit clearly visible in their faces and activities.
Khulna's Kharsanga area under Dumuria upazila is home to the district’s largest celebration, where artisans are currently working on 202 idols; the highest number at any single site.
Subrata Sarkar, treasurer of local puja committee, described the festival as a major source of employment and a proud cultural landmark for the area.
He stated that, just like last year, the largest puja celebration in the entire Khulna division will take place there and that the final stage of preparations is now underway.
Several major temples in Khulna city are taking inspiration from famous Indian temples for their pandal designs.
Sonapatti temple is building a massive pandal modeled after traditional Tamil architecture, while the historic Kalibari temple is constructing a structure reflecting North Indian temple styles.
Similar themed decorations are also being prepared at Arya Dharma Sabha Mandir, Sheetalabari Mandir, Shibbari Mandir, Dolkhola and Daulatpur, among others. These installations aim to blend artistic grandeur with spiritual reverence.
The official start of the festival will be marked by Mahalaya on September 21, heralding the arrival of the goddess, while the five-day ceremonial worship will begin on September 28 with Mahashashti.
In preparation for this, local markets are buzzing with shoppers. Retailers report a sharp increase in clothing and accessory sales, as families prepare to dress up and take part in the festivities.
To ensure public safety and smooth running of the event, Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) has announced a wide-ranging security plan. This includes special patrols, traffic management and increased surveillance around all mandap locations during the idol-making period, the main festival days and the immersion ceremonies.
Each puja mandap will receive 500 kilograms of rice as assistance from district administration’s relief department.
In addition, law enforcement will work closely with mandap committees to deploy volunteer security personnel at each site.
On September 15, KMP held a coordination meeting with leaders of Puja Celebration Council and Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front to discuss festival security, traffic control and law enforcement strategies.
The meeting, chaired by Additional Police Commissioner (Admin and Finance) Abu Raihan Muhammad Saleh, emphasized the need for collaboration between the police and community leaders.
He urged all mandap committees to ensure the presence of volunteer security teams in addition to the police and encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity directly to KMP control room, via national emergency helpline 999 or to the nearest police station.
He assured that KMP will operate with the highest level of professionalism to guarantee a peaceful and joyous celebration.
Khulna residents across communities are embracing the festivities with open hearts.
In many areas, people of different faiths have been seen visiting the mandaps to admire the idols and decorations, creating an atmosphere of harmony and cultural unity.
Local cultural organizations are also contributing to the celebration with performances, exhibitions and special events.
What was once primarily a religious observance has now become a social and cultural festival, deeply embedded in the life of the region.
From the artisans in workshops to children admiring the lights, from shoppers in the markets to volunteers preparing for security, Khulna is coming together in celebration; turning this year’s Durga Puja into a vibrant expression of devotion, art and communal joy.
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