Barishal:The Shmashan Dipabali festival, considered the largest of its kind in the subcontinent, commenced in Barishal today with the illumination of thousands of lamps to honor the memory of departed souls.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the annual festival is observed on the eve of Kali Puja at the historic Mahashmashan in the Kawnia area of Barishal city. Members of the Hindu community gather at the cremation ground to light candles, incense sticks, and traditional lamps at the graves of deceased relatives, praying for their eternal peace.
The graves are adorned with favorite foods and other ritual offerings of the departed. Asim Kumjar Murali, general secretary of the Barishal Mahashmashan Protection Committee, stated that the nearly 200-year-old cremation ground, established on 5 acres and 96 decimals of land, contains more than 61,000 graves. The committee also tends to around 900 memorial structures belonging to people whose relatives no longer reside in the country.
The festival, observed on Bhoot Chaturdashi, draws visitors from various parts of Bangladesh, India, and Nepal every year. A visitor named Gobinda expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, noting that the centuries-old tradition provides a valuable opportunity to pray for departed relatives.
Police have confirmed the deployment of additional law enforcement personnel in the area to ensure security during the celebrations.