Satkhira: Centuries-old traditional Hindu festival of Bishwakarma and Manasa Puja was held today at Manasatala beneath a banyan tree beside the Gur Pukur Par in Palashpol area of the town with religious fervour and festivity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Manasa Puja is usually held on Shukla Panchami in the Bengali month of Shraban. However, the worship of goddess Manasa also coincides with Bishwakarma Puja in parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh, including Satkhira, during the month of Bhadra.
The puja attracts a large number of devotees and visitors from distant areas to Satkhira annually. Devotees offered prayers and participated in various rituals as priest Tapas Chakraborty conducted the puja.
In addition to its religious significance, the centuries-old celebration has become an important part of the heritage and folk culture of the area.