Dhaka, Apr 06 (V7N) – With the spontaneous participation of lakhs of devotees, religious ceremonies marking Maha Ashtami, Basanti Puja, and the holy bathing ritual are being peacefully celebrated across the country. The Bangladesh Army, deployed at key religious sites, has played a crucial role in ensuring security and maintaining order throughout the festivities.

According to an official statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Army is conducting round-the-clock armed patrols and surveillance at puja mandaps, bathing ghats, and other religious venues, while also assisting with traffic management through control posts and checkpoints.

The Maha Ashtami holy bathing festival, one of the most sacred observances of the Hindu community, began at midnight on Saturday and is scheduled to continue for two days. Langalbande in Narayanganj has seen a surge of pilgrims from both home and abroad gathering at 19 designated ghats along the riverbanks.

ISPR reported that thousands of international pilgrims, including visitors from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, joined the event, highlighting the festival’s spiritual and cultural significance. Meanwhile, another major congregation took place along the Brahmaputra River in Chilmari upazila of Kurigram district, where lakhs of domestic pilgrims performed the holy Ashtami bath.

Maha Ashtami and Basanti Puja were observed with traditional devotion at various mandaps on Saturday. Prominent events included:

  • Annual Maitree Mahimanvit Puja on the banks of the Dhaleshwari River in Chittagong, as well as in Ramu (Cox’s Bazar) and Nagarpur, Garail, Bhuiyanpur (Tangail)

  • Barshik Maitree Mahimanvit Puja at Sri Sri Barthi Temple in Goura Nadi upazila (Barisal)

  • Shyama Puja at Konabari Thakurbari Temple in Nalchiti (Jhalokati)

  • Celebrations across multiple puja mandaps in Comilla, Chandpur, and at the Durga Temple in Rayer Bazar (Dhaka)

In all these locations, the army ensured heightened security, resulting in a peaceful and orderly environment for worshippers.

The large-scale attendance and peaceful execution of these religious events stand as a testament to Bangladesh's commitment to religious harmony and communal coexistence. The involvement of both domestic and international devotees underscores the spiritual importance and cultural richness of these observances.

With tight coordination between the local administration and security forces, this year’s Maha Ashtami and Basanti Puja festivities have highlighted the country's dedication to safeguarding religious freedoms and ensuring public safety.

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