UNB, Kurigram:: Tens of thousands of devotees gathered on Thursday along the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Kurigram to observe the sacred bathing ritual on Ashtami, one of the most significant religious observances for followers of Sanatan Dharma.
The holy baths began at dawn across several ghats, including Nunkhawa Ghat in Nageshwari, Jatrapur Ghat in Sadar, and Jorgach and Ramna Ghats in Chilmari Upazila. Before entering the river, many devotees chanted mantras such as “Om Brahmaputra Mahabhag…” praying for the forgiveness of sins.
According to the organizing committee, the annual Ashtami Bath Festival is observed on the eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra month. This year, the ritual was scheduled from 4:00 am to 7:45 am and again from 12:03 pm to 2:59 pm.
Extensive preparations were undertaken to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the festival. The local administration, organizers, law enforcement, and volunteer teams provided security, maintained order, and offered temporary medical services.
The riverbank was filled with a devotional atmosphere, with participants traveling from across the region. Many expressed their belief in the spiritual significance of the day. Sujan Mohanta, a devotee, said, Rishi Parashuram took a bath in the Brahmaputra on this day to cleanse the sin of matricide. We follow this tradition in faith.
Aditya Chowdhury, who came from Rangpur with his family, said, We come here every year. We believe bathing on this day washes away sins from the heart.
Kurigram Deputy Commissioner Annapurna Debnath said, All necessary preparations have been made for the safe conduct of this special festival, and monitoring is ongoing throughout the day.
