Sonargaon, Jun 03 (V7N) – The 136th Tirodhan Festival of revered Hindu spiritual leader Loknath Brahmachari begins today at his ashram in Bardi, Sonargaon, with thousands of devotees from across Bangladesh and abroad gathering to participate in the religious event.
A three-day program has been organized at the historic Loknath Brahmachari Ashram to mark the occasion. The festival's formal activities are scheduled to commence with special worship ceremonies on Wednesday morning.
The ashram management committee has completed extensive preparations for the event. The temple, shrine and surrounding ashram premises have been decorated with colorful ornaments and lighting. In addition, a seven-day fair has been arranged in the Bardi area to coincide with the festival.
Shankar Kumar Dey, General Secretary of the Bardi Loknath Brahmachari Ashram Management Committee, said devotees from different parts of the country and abroad have already arrived and are staying in the ashram's accommodation facilities as well as nearby residences.
According to organizers, the festival program includes worship ceremonies, Ushakirtan, distribution of Balya Bhog and Raj Bhog, recitation of the Gita, distribution of prasad, discussions on the life and teachings of Loknath Brahmachari, and evening kirtan sessions.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by local residents regarding allegations that some influential groups are preparing to set up shops illegally and collect rents in the Bardi Bazaar playground despite the government not officially leasing out the fair. Allegations have also surfaced regarding preparations for gambling and inappropriate entertainment activities.
Responding to the allegations, Sonargaon Upazila BNP Sports Secretary Karim Rahman stated that the fair has been leased for this year's festival and assured that administrative action would be taken if any illegal or inappropriate activities occur.
To ensure law and order during the festival, a security briefing and parade were held in the ashram area on Tuesday. Narayanganj District Police Superintendent Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Munshi said that more than 600 personnel from the police, RAB, Ansar and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed for the event.
Authorities have also installed CCTV cameras and strengthened security measures across the festival grounds and nearby areas, including surveillance along the Meghna River with support from the naval police.
Sonargaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Sarwar said that law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to ensure the safety of all devotees visiting the ashram.
Sonargaon Upazila Executive Officer Asif Al Jinat reiterated that comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place and warned that legal action would be taken against anyone involved in unlawful activities during the festival.
END/SMA/AJ
