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Dhaka Day by Day

Dhakeshwari: A Shade of Past Glory

by Lamis Hossain
Dhakeshwari. Dhaka's renowned temple. Is not hard to find but the directions from enthusiastic passers-by are likely to confuse you. “Turn right, then you'll see an orphanage, then turn left towards the banyan tree, then take another left, then there's a wide road, then turn right.." Hopefully.you won't need to ask anyone the way this week — the throng of visitors for the Durga Puja from the 10th to the 14th should guide you to your destination.
The temple grounds, located at the end of Orphanage Road in Lalbagh. are not as impressive as one would expect, but rather derelict and neglected. On the right is a guest house replete with maroon arches and buttermilk walls, which suggest a past beauty despite the current decay. The interior is completely run down and yet remains the home for several families. A sign on the edifice warns: "'This structure may fall down at any time."
The temple, itself. is not much better. There are no heavily decorated statues as is common in Hindu places of worship, or any other embellishment except one "figurine kept behind locked doors.
The 'shgbait' or caretaker of the te-'
Dhakeshwari during the festivities. The second largest gathering Is at the Ram Krishna Mission. Most people turn up at the 'dashomi for the immersion of the image of Goddess Durga.' Many come from the towns and villages near Dhaka. ’The occasion is for everyone. There is no religious restriction on participation. After all. it Is done for peace. We get a lol of cooperation from everyone. Unlike India, we have never had much trouble."
Uis sentiment Is shared by Joyanta Sen Dipu who says. We call our programme 'Sharadiya Durga Utshob'. autumn festivity. Instead of 'Durga puja'. Dipu is on the Central Puja Committee which has Ijeen busy planning the occasion for the last month. ’’The committee has to take care of several aspects such as furfd collection, requesting political parties to curtail their agenda for the week, asking the law enforcement agents to be vigilant, making sure we get adequate water and electricity supplies and also deciding on the sculptors." he explains.
The sculptors are an integral part of the whole affair, "There are a few well known ones around. This year we have chosen Shan-
mple. Prodlp Kumar Chakroborty, offers
an explanation for the state of affairs, "We haven't had the money required to restore everything that was destroyed during the October 1990 attack. That month the guest house was gutted, the main statue and eight gold medals were stolefl and the throne was set on fire. We feel that we should get some government aid to restore the grounds since this is not Just a place of worship but a historical structure that was built more than 200 years ago." Meanwhile, some small repairs and painting have been started with funds collected from devotees.
But the temple's shortcomings will not prevent the Durga Puja celebration for peace and tranquility. The sabiat's son-in-law informs. "At least 10.000 to 15,000 people pass through
kar Dhor who also makes statues of the freedom movement." Dipu reveals. "The competition between various temples can easily escalate. Sometimes sculptors are paid up to Tk 40.000 for one 'protima' (image} but we try to maintain an affordable standard. This year ours cost Tk 18.000." ■
Last October there were no Durga festivities as a precaution to the tense Babri Mashjld situation. but the temple anticipates no trouble this time. The 6.000 posters printed by the committee will hopefully attract the desired crowds. One other detail would make everything perfect. 'This year's Durga holiday is marked on Friday. We have requested the government for another date as it Is one of the most important festivals for the Hindu community."