Durga puja utshab, the biggest religious festival of Hindu community, formally started yesterday with enthusiasm and festivity amid tight security.
In Bhola, hundreds of devotees thronged nearly 100 puja mandaps in the district to perform rituals in front of deities.
But due to rise in preparation cost some puja mandap authorities have not taken initiatives to celebrate puja his year. Last year, the puja was celebrated at 110 mandaps. Prof. Dulal Chandra Goash of Bhola Puja Udjapon Parishad said the rise in cost of making idols and other expenses have kept many away from taking preparation this year.  Gowrango Chandra, the secretary of Bhola district Puja Udjapon Parishad, said all the preparation was completed well before the start of the week-long puja celebration.
Earlier, the administration took measures to maintain law and order. Additional security forces have been deployed to ensure peace.
In Lalmonirhat, members of the Hindu community are celebrating Durga puja in 409 puja mandaps in the district, said sources.
Local administration has taken all the measures to maintain law and order and a tight  security has been ensured in every mandap. Ansar and police forces have been deployed in every mandap. A total of 169 tonnes of rice has been allocated, the sources added.
When contacted, general secretary of District Puja Utjapon Parishad Gopal Roy said they are happy with the steps taken by the local administration for ensuring security. Police superintendent ATM Mujahedul Islam of Lalmonirhat said they have talked with the members of the Puja Utjapon committee about their problems and steps have been taken accordingly to ensure security and maintain law and order.