The traditional three-day Ras Mela, a significant festival for the Hindu community, is set to begin on Monday at the "Alor Kole" (Bank of Light) in Dubachar, located within the Sharankhola range of the eastern Sundarbans.
The festival will commence on Monday and conclude at dawn on Wednesday with a holy bath in the sea's first tide. To ensure a smooth and secure celebration, the Forest Department has already held a coordination meeting with district administration officials and senior members of the law enforcement agencies.
Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, the Divisional Forest Officer of Sundarban East Division, stated, "A meeting has been held with the district administration, the Ras Udjapon Committee, and senior law enforcement officials to ensure this year's festival is held without any disruption."
Exclusive Participation and Fishing Ban
In a key directive, the authorities have announced that only members of the Hindu community will be permitted to participate in the Ras Mela. Furthermore, to protect the marine ecosystem during this period, the Forest Department has imposed a ban on all fishing activities in the Sundarbans from October 27 to November 5.
Security Fortified for Pilgrims
Thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad are expected to gather at Dubachar for the festival. A team of high-ranking police officials, led by the Bagerhat Police Superintendent, visited Alor Kole on Tuesday to review security preparations. They held a meeting with the Ras Udjapon Committee leaders to discuss law and order and other logistical matters.
The Police Superintendent also inspected the temporary Radha-Krishna temple and the camps set up by the Coast Guard, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and the Forest Department.
Forest Officer Chowdhury added that the regular patrols by forest guards have been intensified not only for the safety of the pilgrims but also to prevent any poaching of deer or other wildlife in the area. Devotees will be allowed to travel to Alor Kole via specific designated routes within the Sundarbans with proper permission.
The festival, a vibrant display of faith and tradition, will see its culmination on Wednesday morning as devotees take a sacred dip in the early tide, marking the end of the celebrations.
