Kaharole: Month-long traditional Ras Mela has begun at historic Kantaji temple in Kaharole upazila here today. The fair officially commenced one minute past midnight on Thursday with rituals and prayers of Ras Festival. Marking the festival, Hindu devotees began offering prayers to the deity since the evening.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ranjit Kumar Singh, caretaker of the Dinajpur Raj Debottar Estate, stated that the historic Kantaji temple is situated on the west bank of the Dhepa River in Sundarpur Union of the upazila. He mentioned that Ras Mela began at this temple about 275 years ago, and following that tradition, the fair is organized every year.
This year’s fair includes a grameen mela, circus, and stalls selling locally produced handicrafts, puja and household materials, potteries, baby toys, and sweetmeats set up in and around the temple premises. Priest of the temple, Paritosh Brahmachari, reported that thousands of male and female devotees have been arriving for the past two to three days with the hope of catching a glimpse of Radha-Krishna’s idols and to earn blessings.
Every day, devotees will offer prayers to the deity, and Prasad will be distributed among the attendees. Many take the Prasad home to share with family members, while others consume it at the temple for spiritual fulfillment. Thus, the month-long Ras Mela continues each day through prayer and worship.
Kaharole Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mokleda Khatun Mim confirmed that strict security measures have been implemented by the administration to ensure safety during the Ras Mela.