Durga Puja preparations and security concerns in India and B

Preparations for Durga Puja are progressing across India and Bangladesh, involving logistical, commercial, and political developments.

In India, artisans in Cuttack are constructing numerous pandals and clay idols, including an 18-foot structure at Professor Pada. In Balurghat, festive shopping habits are evolving as younger residents increasingly use e-commerce and mobile apps, contrasting with the traditional bazaar experiences preferred by older generations.

Political and security activities have also intensified. In West Bengal, the BJP is organizing visits to prominent pandals by senior leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, the government has increased funding for puja mandaps to BDT 5 crore following directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has also announced enhanced security protocols and coordinated responsibilities across national and district levels to ensure smooth celebrations.

However, security concerns have escalated in Bangladesh following an act of vandalism in the Tangail district. In the Mirzapur upazila, unidentified individuals vandalised seven idols, including the primary sculpture of the goddess Durga, at the Jamurki Paschimpara area temple. The idols were nearly complete, with only painting work remaining. Prakash Bakali, president of the Jamurki Arya Samiti, confirmed that a formal complaint has been lodged with the police. Local authorities, including Tangail Assistant Superintendent Adnan Mustafiz, have initiated an investigation and implemented security measures at the site. This incident follows other reported attacks on Hindu religious sites and minority communities in the country.