Organizers of the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations at the Dhakeshwari National Temple premises in Dhaka have finalized a budget of Tk 1.52 crore, which will be entirely funded through corporate advertisements and public donations. The details of the financial plan and ongoing preparations were shared by the Mahanagar Sarbajarin Puja Committee on Tuesday (Sept 29). Jointly organized by the Mahanagar Sarbajarin Puja Committee and Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, this year's festivities are being observed under the central theme of an environmentally friendly celebration.
Artisan Sukumar Paul, who has been crafting idols for the Dhakeshwari venue for a prolonged period, began the sculpting process a month and a half ago. With the final stages currently underway at a cost of Tk 1.80 lakh, the idols are scheduled to receive their concluding paint finishes by Thursday, ahead of being officially unveiled to the general public on Friday morning during Durga Sasthi. Access to the artisan workshop area remains restricted to ensure uninterrupted work.
Mahanagar Sarbajarin Puja Committee General Secretary Subhashish Kumar Biswas elaborated that the allocated funds will cover extensive expenditures, including idol crafting, venue decoration, and a six-day continuous distribution of prasad. Committee President Gopal Chandra Debnath noted that the scale of prasad distribution has been expanded, contributing to the higher budgetary requirement. Organizers confirmed substantial financial backing, with the Dhaka South City Corporation contributing Tk 10 lakh and local lawmaker Hamidur Rahman providing Tk 5 lakh.
Preparations across the temple grounds are moving swiftly towards completion. Workers are erecting perimeter fencing using bamboo posts to maintain disciplined crowd management, while welders and decorators put the finishing touches on the main pandal and the stage backdrop featuring depictions of Mount Kailash. Enhanced security protocols are also a central focus, with the Special Response Battalion (SRB) installing 64 closed-circuit television cameras across the premises alongside a dedicated police control room to ensure comprehensive safety.
General Secretary Biswas expressed satisfaction with the administrative cooperation, stating that law enforcement agencies and local authorities have extended maximum support, ensuring a secure environment for the upcoming celebrations.
