Baishakhi Mela at Mahashtangarh

Devotees of both Hindu and Muslim religion gathered at the historic Mohasthangarh area beside Dhaka-Rangpur highway under Shibgonj upazila in Bogra on Thursday afternoon, to observe the annual Baishakhi mela held on the final Thursday of the Bangla month of Baishakh. 

It's said that 14th century Muslim saint Islam Shah Sultan Mahishawar Balkhi defeated the-then king of the Pundravardhana (present-day Bogra) king Parshuram. 

According to legend, Shah Sultan of Balkh came to Mahasthangarh accompanied by his disciples, dressed as a Faqir in a boat shaped like a fish. Initially Chilhan, the army chief of Parshuram and many others accepted the message of Islam and became Muslims but eventually there was conflict between Parshuram and Balkhi Mahisawar in which Parshuram was defeated and killed.

The only sister of Poshuram, Shyla Debi is said to have sacrificed her life to save her dignity, by jumping into Karatoa River at Shyla Debir Ghat near Mahasthangarh area.

The Muslim devotees gathered at Mahasthangarh mosque area and Hindu devotees gathered at Borhan Uddin Mazar, Mango Orchard and north residential areas. They were seen singing different songs. 

Devotee Fakir Misir and Narayan Chandra said that they come here each year for getting the mercy of the Creator.

ASP of Bogra police Shabbr Ahmed Sharfraz said police have been conducting searches to ensure security for the devotees, and an executive magistrate has been conducting a mobile court. Law enforcers have been showing zero tolerance to any kind of anarchy in the area, added the ASP.