Narayangaj: Tens of thousands of pilgrims from home and abroad joined Mahatirtha Snanotsav, a traditional holy bath of Hindus, at the Brahmaputra River at the three-kilometer-long holy pilgrimage site of Langalband here since early hours of today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, pilgrims are participating in the ritual of self-purification by taking an Ashtami bath in the Brahmaputra River as the festival began at 2:08 am on Saturday and will continue till 12:51 am on Sunday. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury visited the holy site this morning. District administration and police officials were present to oversee the event.
Extensive preparations were taken to ensure the safety of pilgrims as 1,500 members of the law enforcement agencies were deployed. Medical facilities, sufficient toilet facilities, and pure water supply have also been ensured, said Deputy Commissioner Md Zahidul Islam Miah. After reciting mantras, pilgrims have been taking part in the bath with flowers, ‘Bel’ (wood apple) leaves, paddy, Durba (grass), Haritaki (Myrobalan), Dab (green coconut), and Amra-pallab (Mango leaves).
Immediately after the start of the holy Tithi, a stream of pilgrims descended on the Langalband area as the entire pilgrimage site on the bank of the Brahmaputra River has been bustling with the footfall of thousands of pilgrims from different regions. Authorities made arrangements for taking the bath at 20 ghats, including Nalit Mohan Sadhu Ghat, Annapurna Ghat, Rajghat, Makri Sadhu Ghat, Gandhi (Crematorium) Ghat, and Bhadreshwari Kali Ghat, among others.
A committee was formed to organize ‘Mahatirtha Langalband Snanotsav.’ Joy K. Roy Chowdhury Bappi, General Secretary of the committee, mentioned that the district administration made special security measures compared to previous years. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah stated that overall arrangements were made for the smooth performance of the holy ritual.