Mashiur Rahmsn Salim, Cumilla South 

 Idol artisans across Laksam upazila in Comilla are working round-the-clock to complete Goddess Durga idols as preparations reach the final stages across 38 temples ahead of Sharadiya Durga Puja.

The grand religious festival of the Hindu community is scheduled to begin on October 16, 2026, with Ghat Puja.

Artisans gathered at key temples across the upazila—including the Sadar Kalibari, Uttar Bazar Banik Bari, Jagannath Debalaya, South Laksam Swargiya Niranjan Banik Bari, and Paschimgaon Sahapara—have been working continuously to shape and complete the idols.

Local artisans, along with craftspeople arriving from Shariatpur, Chandpur, and Noakhali who started work under contract in July, reported that the primary structural work using bamboo, straw, jute, rope, and clay is largely complete. Artisans are currently drying clay layers and preparing for final painting, detailing, and decorative work, which is expected to finish within the next eight to ten days. Labor costs for crafting the idols range from Tk 500 to Tk 12,000 for smaller statues and Tk 5,000 to Tk 20,000 for larger arrangements.

Laksam Upazila Puja Udjapan Committee President Ranjit Saha Bablu and General Secretary Biswatam Saha Bishu stated that the core philosophy of Durga Puja centers on the triumph of good over evil and the promotion of communal harmony across society. They expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by local administration and surrounding communities.

Laksam Paschimgaon Thakurpara Durga Temple Management Committee President and Hindu community leader Engineer Shishir Kumar Acharya noted that historical traditions of mutual harmony in the region continue to ensure a peaceful environment for the festival.

The government, along with local upazila, municipal, and police administrations, has enacted security guidelines and special measures to maintain law and order throughout the festive period.