The three-day Rash Festival (Ras Mela) has commenced on the Dublar Char in the Sundarbans, drawing devotees for a celebration now focused purely on religious rites.
From the early hours of Monday, pilgrims began flowing towards the remote island, traveling through the Chandpai and Dhangmari stations of the Sundarbans East Forest Division. The festival was inaugurated officially at a temporary temple, illuminated with lights, where rituals began and will continue until Wednesday dawn. The culmination will be a holy dip in the waters of the Bay of Bengal, a ritual devotees believe purifies the soul and fulfills wishes.
However, for another year, the festival remains a scaled-back affair. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebrations are confined strictly to religious observances—puja and the sacred bath. The cultural programs and the famous fair that once characterized the event remain suspended. The travel ban for tourists and individuals from other faiths also stays in effect.
Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer of the Sundarbans East Forest Division, stated, "Pilgrims with pre-paid revenue receipts and permits from the Forest Department can travel via the designated route. Security has been strengthened this year to protect the natural environment, prevent deer poaching, and stop plastic waste pollution."
The roots of the festival trace back to the late 18th or early 19th century, initiated by a Hindu ascetic named Haribhajan Das. He, along with his followers, started the tradition of taking a ritual bath in the saline waters on the day of the Rash Purnima and worshipping Radha-Krishna. This religious practice gradually evolved into the famed Rash Mela of Dublar Char.
President of the celebration committee and freedom fighter Md. Kamal Uddin Ahmed confirmed that, as in previous years, religious ceremonies are being held with the Forest Department's permission. "Devotees from across the country are offering prayers with deep devotion. They will take the holy bath with the first tide on November 5 and then return to their homes," he said, adding that law enforcement and volunteers are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents.
Amidst the natural beauty of the Sundarbans, Dublar Char has awoken to the call of faith and piety, its festival now standing not just as a religious ritual, but as a living testament to the region's enduring tradition and culture.
Sharankhola Correspondent adds: The Sundarbans East Division Forest Department has implemented this ban to safeguard the natural environment of the world's largest mangrove forest. Officials cite the urgent need to prevent deer poaching and plastic waste pollution as the primary reasons. Consequently, the issuance of passes and permits for fishermen, tourists, and the general public has been suspended from October 27 to November 5.
Pilgrims will only be allowed to travel via five designated water routes. Permits for devotees will be issued starting 8:00 AM on Monday from the Sharankhola, Chandpai, and Dhangmari forest stations.
"We have not granted any tour operators permission to bring tourists for the Ras Puja this year. Only Sanatani (Hindu) pilgrims will be permitted," stated Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Bagerhat.
The festivities will commence with rituals at a temporarily erected temple at Alorkole after dusk on Monday. The main worship ceremonies will begin on the evening of Tuesday, November 3.
"The temporary temple for Radha-Krishna has been constructed at Alorkole with permission from the Forest Department. Devotees from across the country will gather here to worship, hoping for their wishes to be fulfilled," said Md. Kamal Uddin Ahmed, President of the Ras Festival Celebration Committee.
The historic gathering will conclude at dawn on November 5 with a holy dip in the saline waters of the sea during the first high tide. Following the ritual, pilgrims will begin their journey back home.
To ensure the safety of the pilgrims and to deter troublemakers, members of the Coast Guard and the Forest Department have been deployed at the entry points, inside the forest, and along the designated routes.
