An artisan working on a Durga idol.Photo: STARWith Durga Puja around the corner, the idol-makers of Pabna are a busy lot.
"We are finishing off our work and completing orders," said veteran artisan Dhananjoy Kumar Pal, who is putting the final touches on the largest statue in Gopalpur village in Pabna. "Taka 40,000 is needed to make the statue," he said, adding that the statue of the goddess is to be seated on an elephant this year.
Pal's business is always at its peak at this time of the year. "I have made statues for nine temples in the district headquarters. I am charging Taka 25,000-to 40,000 for each idol. Though the cost of inputs is steep this year, I get my highest returns on this occasion," he said. Like him over 100 idol-makers of the district are hopeful of raking in profits.
Meanwhile decorators too are optimistic about their business fortunes. "The decoration of high gates and the temples as well as bright lighting, attract viewers. We want to ensure the best quality decoration," said Mohammad Asad, who has linked up with the Shahid Paltu Club Puja Mandap of Gopalpur.
Shahid Paltu Club is the lone organisation that has been celebrating Durga Puja for the last 21 years in the district headquarters.
"Pradip Shannal Gopal, key organiser of the club, told The Daily Star that the club has been named after Paltu who was martyred during the Liberation War.
A meeting was held in Pabna municipality on October 4 to tie up loose ends so that the festival can be celebrated with gaiety. Chaired by Pabna Municipality Mayor Kamrul Hasan Mintu, the meeting had president of Pabna district Puja Udjapan Parishad, Ganesh Chandra Ghosh; secretary Binoy Jyoti Kundu and leaders of the local Hindu community.
Kundu said that the district administration has tightened up security for the festival and allotted 450 kg rice for each temple. Though this may be insufficient for the community, people are trying hard to celebrate Durga Puja with traditional festivity, he said.
