A vibrant two-day celebration of Ram Navami at the historic Sindurmoti Pond in the border area of Rajarhat upazila in Kurigram district has drawn thousands of devotees and visitors, creating a festive atmosphere marked by religious rituals and a large rural fair.
The event began on Friday with holy bathing, prayers and religious observances from early morning. Devotees participated in offerings, including khichuri distribution and other rituals throughout the day. However, late-night hailstorms and strong winds briefly disrupted the fair on Friday.
The festivities resumed on Saturday, with the fair set up again around the pond. Organisers said the event would conclude later in the evening.
Sindurmoti Pond, regarded as a significant pilgrimage site for the Hindu community, witnessed continuous gatherings of devotees engaged in prayers and rituals, turning the area into a hub of communal harmony and cultural celebration. The accompanying rural fair added to the attraction for visitors.
According to local belief, the pond is historically linked to a legend involving King Raj Narayan, who is said to have excavated the pond to address water scarcity. Folklore holds that water began flowing after the self-sacrifice of his two daughters, Sindur and Moti, during a ritual, leading to the pond being named “Sindurmoti” in their memory.
Another traditional belief suggests that bathing in the Brahmaputra River on the eighth day of the Chaitra month, followed by an overnight stay at Sindurmoti and a subsequent bath on Ram Navami, absolves devotees of sins.
The festival has evolved into a symbol of religious tradition and communal harmony, with participation from both Hindu and Muslim communities in the locality.
This year’s event has been supported by extensive security arrangements. Law enforcement agencies, including RAB, police, and intelligence units, have been deployed alongside approximately 300 volunteers to maintain order. Authorities have also enforced restrictions on gambling, drugs, and circus activities on the fair premises.
Temple committee president Shree Dulu Banik said rituals have been conducted by priests since Friday morning, with devotees also performing offerings in memory of deceased family members.
General Secretary of the temple committee, Ratan Kumar Roy, said comprehensive safety measures were in place, including CCTV surveillance across the area.
He added that although the fair is traditionally a one-day event, it has been extended over two days to accommodate visitors, with the formal conclusion scheduled for Saturday evening.
PMS/AM
