Gaibandha: Astomi Snan, one of the major religious festivals for the Hindu community, was celebrated in the Brahmaputra River of Gaibandha district today. The event was marked with respect and religious fervor, mirroring the celebration in other parts of the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a large number of Hindu devotees, including women, gathered from various parts of the district and neighboring regions at the western sides of the Brahmaputra. The devotees commenced their ritual bath in the river at 6 am, adhering to their belief that bathing in the Brahmaputra River at Chilmari is crucial for absolving curses and sins. This belief drew devotees from distant areas, including India and Nepal, to participate in the ritual at Chilmarighat in Kurigram district.
Chilmari UNO M. Mahmudul-ul-Hasan confirmed that necessary arrangements were made at Chilmarighat, the largest spot for Astomi Snan in northern districts. Measures were taken to ensure a peaceful environment for the devotees to perform their holy snan, with law and order maintained through the deployment of police and Ansar personnel.
Additionally, the Astomi Snan took place at various spots along the river’s western side, including Horipur, Lalchamar, Kamarjani, Balashighat, Fulchharighat, and Saghata of Gaibandha district. Poresh Chandra Saha, secretary of Bangladesh Puja Utjapon Parishad, Gaibandha district chapter, reported that fairs were organized alongside the river and in the plains, including the district’s hats and bazaars, to celebrate the occasion.