45-foot Durga idol in Rajshahi, goddess made of 10,000 chocolates

The massive Durga idol has been built on the occasion of Tiger Sangha's 45th year. The organization's general secretary, Partha Pal Chowdhury, said, Rajshahi is a city of harmony. Here people of all religions give equal dignity to their respective religions.

The chocolate idol in Taherpur has been made on the initiative of the local social organization Nabajagaran Sangha. It cost about 80,000 taka. Idol artist Nil Kumar Das of Natore built the idol with 10,000 coin chocolates. Temple committee president Shiben Haldar and general secretary Dijen Haldar said necessary arrangements have been made for visitors to enjoy the puja safely.

This year, Durga Puja is being held at a total of 466 pandals, including 85 in Rajshahi city and 381 in eight upazilas of the district. Among them, Bagmara has the highest number, 86 pandals.

Ashok Kumar Saha, general secretary of the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Front, expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements for the puja. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Tareq Rahman will visit the Rajshahi religious assembly on Navami day. According to him, this year the puja pandals have received maximum government grants, and priests are receiving regular monthly allowances.

The 45-foot-tall Durga idol and the goddess idol made of chocolate—interest among visitors has increased at puja pandals in Rajshahi centering on the two exceptional arrangements.