Idols of Goddess Durga decorated with sago and corn grains have emerged as major attractions for devotees and visitors in Natore, adding a distinctive artistic touch to this year's Durga Puja celebrations.
At the Shridhar Sarbojanin Puja Mandap in Ghosh Para on Chairman Road, the idol has been adorned with sago, while the idol at the Ramchandra Temple Puja Mandap on the premises of Rani Bhawani Rajbari has been decorated with corn grains.
Thousands of visitors thronged the Ramchandra Temple mandap to observe Maha Shashthi, yesterday (16 October), the first day of six days of Durga puja festival, to offer prayers and admire the unique artwork. The festive atmosphere continued until midnight, with women and children among the visitors.
Fifteen local youths worked for nearly two months to create the corn-covered idol, using around three maunds of corn. They carefully prepared individual grains before attaching them to the idol with adhesive.
Bidhan Chandra Debnath, general secretary of the Puja celebration committee, said their hard work had paid off as hundreds of visitors came to see the idol on the opening day.
Visitor Shrabani Basak praised the craftsmanship, saying the corn-grain-covered idol might be the first of its kind in the country.
At the Shridhar Sarbojanin Puja Mandap, artisans used 85 kilograms of sago to decorate the idol. Suman Ghosh, president of the mandap committee, said the artisans worked tirelessly day and night to complete the decoration.
Tapas Ghosh, general secretary of the committee, expressed hope that their creation would also attract visitors.
Bablu Goswami, priest of the Shridhar Sarbojanin Puja Mandap, said the goddess was formally welcomed through the bodhon ritual on yesterday evening. Religious ceremonies will continue until Bijoya Dashami, marking the conclusion of the festival.
Visitor Jayanta Mani said Natore had witnessed similar creative initiatives in previous years, with idols decorated with jute, mung beans and rice grains.
A total of 403 Puja mandaps have been set up across the district this year.
The town has taken on a festive look with decorative gates, colourful illuminations and music, while the rhythmic beats of traditional drums add to the celebratory atmosphere.
Security has been strengthened across the district to ensure peaceful celebrations. Each mandap has at least one police member, supported by six to eight Ansar members, depending on local requirements. Police and Special Reserve Battalion (SRB) patrols are also maintaining vigilance.