Tangail, Feb 13, (V7N) – A day-long event known as "Dub-er Mela" took place at the Banshai River in Syedampur village, Basail, Tangail. This traditional fair, which has been celebrated for generations, occurs annually on the Maghi Purnima. Local Sanatan (Hindu) followers believe that taking a holy dip in the river during this fair can cleanse their sins and fulfill their wishes.
 
Pilgrims from various parts of the district arrived early in the morning to participate in the sacred bathing ritual. Both men and women, along with children, took part in the festival, walking along the fields to reach the river. The fair starts early in the morning with devotees bathing and praying for their sins to be washed away, hoping for their wishes to be fulfilled.
 
A devotee, Shanti Roy, shared, "I have been coming to this fair for the past 10-12 years from Tangail city. The experience of bathing here is very special. For our Sanatan community, this is a sacred place where we can cleanse ourselves and fulfill our heart's desires." Another devotee, Arati Roy, mentioned, "We believe that taking a dip in the river during Maghi Purnima cleanses our sins from the entire year. Some of us come here to seek blessings for having children, while others come with different wishes."
 
The tradition of this fair dates back to the British colonial era when a statue of a revered sage, Madhab Thakur, was placed for worship. Since then, the fair has been celebrated every year, with people flocking to the river for the sacred bath. The fair lasts from morning till afternoon, and locals and visitors alike attend to witness the ritual and partake in the bathing ceremony.
 
Fazal Ali, a local sweet vendor, has been coming to the fair for 32 years and shared, "I sell sweets here every year, and the sales are always good. On average, I sell around 10-12 mounds of sweets."
 
Priest Rabindra Chakraborty added, "This sacred bath, known as Maghi Purnima Ganga Snaan, has been practiced for generations. Devotees from far and wide come to take part in this holy bath and cleanse their sins."
 
The Chairman of Kanchanpur Union Parishad, Shamim Al Mamun, explained, "This tradition has been carried on from our ancestors. On Maghi Purnima, Sanatan followers gather to celebrate Dub-er Mela. People from different places come to witness and take part in the event. Law enforcement officers are present to ensure security during the event."
 
This sacred fair continues to be a cherished tradition for many, providing a space for spiritual renewal and fulfilling the wishes of those who participate.
 
END/BKC/SMA/