Sonargaon:The 15-day annual religious observance of Rakher Upobash began on Tuesday at Baradi Shri Shri Loknath Brahmachari Ashram in Sonargaon upazila, marking the first day of the final fortnight of the Bengali month of Kartik.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this ritual, also known as Kartik Brata, Gosaier Upobash, or Ghee Pradip Prajjalon, is observed by Hindu devotees through fasting and lighting ghee lamps every Saturday and Tuesday until November 17.
Hundreds of devotees from different parts of the country and abroad, including India, gathered at the ashram on the opening day to offer prayers and seek blessings from Baba Loknath, the revered 18th-century Hindu spiritual master. Temporary shops set up outside the ashram were selling incense holders, earthen lamps, and ghee for devotees, while nearby sweet shops displayed various traditional offerings, including sandesh and coconut sweets.
Inside the temple premises, devotees sat in rows preparing their ghee lamps, arranging them on banana sheaths, placing wicks, and carefully pouring ghee. Chanting the name of Baba Loknath, they prayed for peace, prosperity, and good health for themselves and their families. As evening approached, the ashram filled with devotees carrying lamps and offerings, creating a festive atmosphere as they awaited the evening prayers.
With the ringing of bells and traditional metal gongs, thousands of devotees lit their ghee lamps simultaneously, filling the premises with flickering lights and the air with the fragrance of incense. Devotees immersed themselves in prayers, creating a solemn and spiritual atmosphere across the ashram.
According to ashram authorities, the tradition dates back to the 19th century when Sonargaon was affected by severe outbreaks of cholera and smallpox. Baba Loknath instructed his followers to observe fasting during Kartik and light lamps and incense at the ashram, seeking divine protection from diseases. Since then, Hindu devotees have continued the tradition every year on Saturdays and Tuesdays during the final 15 days of Kartik, praying for protection from diseases and the well-being of their families.
As part of the ritual, devotees observe restraint from the previous day and fast throughout the day of the observance. They begin their prayers shortly before evening by lighting ghee lamps and incense sticks. After the lamps burn out, they break their fast by distributing prasad, concluding with the ceremonial immersion of prayer offerings in the Chhaglabagini River.
Papya Rani Das, a devotee of Baba Loknath who travelled from Gazipur, expressed her dedication, saying, "I have come to seek Baba's blessings. I fasted throughout the day and lit this lamp praying for the well-being and good health of all my family members."
The religious gathering also attracted foreign visitors, including Elizabeth from the Netherlands, who admired the festival's atmosphere, lights, and cultural elements. "I am very fond of this culture of Bangladesh and the arrangement of 'Rakher Upobash'. The lights and the sarees worn by the women are very beautiful. I came to Bangladesh this time specifically to experience such a beautiful and emotional festival firsthand," she said.
Ashram Chief Priest Pranesh Chakraborty mentioned that tight security measures had been taken inside and around the temple, with police and other security personnel deployed to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth movement of devotees.