Kuakata: The traditional Raas Purnima and Raas Mela, a major cultural and religious festival for the Hindu community, is set to commence on November 4 at the Kuakata sea beach in the Patuakhali district. The festivities will last for four days, concluding on November 7.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a preparatory meeting was recently conducted at the Kuakata Sri Sri Radhakrishna Temple and Pilgrimage Seva Ashram, with Engineer Nihar Ranjan Mandol, the general secretary of the organizing committee, presiding over the event. The organizers have confirmed that all necessary preparations have been completed in collaboration with the local administration to ensure the festival runs smoothly. Key arrangements have been made to address security, healthcare, cleanliness, and traffic management.
The meeting was attended by several notable figures, including Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kausar Hamid as the chief guest. Other special guests included Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Kuakata Municipal Administrator Yasin Sadek, Assistant Superintendent of Tourist Police Md. Habibur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Mahipur Police Station Md. Mahmud Hasan, and President of Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners Association M.A. Motaleb Sharif.
UNO Kausar Hamid highlighted the significance of the Raas Festival as an integral part of Kuakata's tradition, noting that the administration has implemented measures to ensure an enjoyable experience for devotees and tourists. Assistant Superintendent Md. Habibur Rahman mentioned that a large gathering of devotees and visitors is expected, and security personnel will be deployed to maintain order.
The Raas Festival, celebrated annually on the full moon day of the Bangla month of Kartik, commemorates Lord Krishna's Rasleela and Lakshmi Puja. Over the years, it has evolved into a significant socio-cultural and tourism event in Kuakata, attracting people from various religious and cultural backgrounds. The festival transforms Kuakata beach into a lively spiritual hub, with thousands participating in holy bathing, worship, and cultural activities, promoting religious harmony and boosting the local economy and tourism industry.