2,766 puja mandaps ready in Sylhet; fireworks banned
Published: 10 October 2026, 9:04:03
File Photo
SYLHET, Oct 10, 2026 : Preparations are nearing completion for the celebration of Sharadiya Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, with 2,766 puja mandaps being set up across the four districts of Sylhet Division.
Of the total, 636 mandaps are in Sylhet district and metropolitan area, 1,022 in Moulvibazar, 664 in Habiganj and 444 in Sunamganj.
Meanwhile, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun has instructed the authorities concerned to prohibit fireworks at all puja mandaps and prevent any activity that could cause annoyance, discomfort or anxiety among visitors or local residents.
As the festival approaches, idol makers are working around the clock. The construction of frameworks, straw binding and clay coating has largely been completed at many locations, while painting, ornamentation and decoration are now underway. Artists are also putting the finishing touches on the faces of the idols.
The preparations have created work for a wide range of people, including mandap decorators, lighting workers, drummers, flower traders and clothing retailers.
A total of 636 mandaps will host Durga Puja in Sylhet district and the metropolitan area this year.
Of the 474 mandaps in Sylhet district, 448 are community-based and 26 are family-run. In the metropolitan area, 162 mandaps have been arranged, including 146 community-based and 16 family mandaps.
A significant number of mandaps are located in the city’s four police station areas as well as South Surma and Moglabazar. The Airport police station area has the highest number, with 39 community mandaps and one family mandap.
Kotwali has 31 community and 11 family mandaps, Jalalabad has 19 community and two family mandaps, while Shahporan has 25 community and one family mandap.
The Sylhet district and metropolitan Puja Udjapan Parishad has issued 18 directives to ensure the smooth celebration of the festival and formed an 11-member monitoring cell.
The Sylhet City Corporation has also assured necessary civic services during the festival, including repairs to roads and water supply at puja mandaps, said SCC administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury.
Moulvibazar has the highest number of puja mandaps among the four districts of Sylhet Division, with 1,022 mandaps scheduled to host celebrations this year, according to the district unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad.
Of these, 898 are community mandaps and 124 are private or family arrangements.
Kulaura has the highest number with 227 mandaps, followed by Sreemangal with 172, Kamalganj with 154, Baralekha with 146, Rajnagar with 136, Moulvibazar Sadar with 111 and Juri with 76.
A total of 664 mandaps are being prepared across nine upazilas and six municipalities of Habiganj district.
Idol making has already been completed at many locations, with painting and decoration now underway.
Among the upazilas, 122 mandaps are being prepared in Baniachong, 100 in Madhabpur, 81 in Nabiganj, 73 in Chunarughat, 66 in Lakhai, 55 in Bahubal, 44 in Habiganj Sadar, 27 in Ajmiriganj and 12 in Shayestaganj.
Separate preparations are also underway in the municipal areas.
A total of 444 mandaps will host Durga Puja across Sunamganj’s 12 upazilas.
The festival atmosphere has already begun to spread across the haor region, with idol making, mandap decoration and lighting work progressing. Local businesses are also experiencing increased activity ahead of the festival.
For security, authorities have instructed organisers to arrange volunteer teams and night guards at each mandap, install CCTV cameras and maintain regular monitoring.
At a preparatory meeting on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun directed all puja organisers to ensure that no fireworks or other activities are allowed at mandaps if they could cause annoyance or anxiety among visitors or local residents.
He instructed organisers to clearly assign responsibilities among puja committees, Ansar members, law enforcement personnel and volunteers.
The DC said the administration would take maximum security measures to ensure that Durga Puja is celebrated peacefully and in a festive atmosphere. He also directed authorities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, adequate security and functional CCTV cameras at every mandap.
He called upon puja committees, law enforcement agencies, the administration and volunteers to work together to ensure a peaceful celebration.
The deputy commissioner also urged the authorities concerned to strictly follow the schedule for idol immersion. He requested that immersion activities in Sylhet metropolitan areas be completed by 9pm, while those in other parts of the district should be completed by 7pm.
Representatives of law enforcement agencies, officials from various government departments and leaders of puja celebration committees attended the meeting
