Rash Mela begins Nov 21

The authorities concerned have taken special security measures at Alorkol in Dublar Char near the Sundarbans ahead of the Rash Mela (Rash Festival), which will begin on November 21.

The three-day traditional festival will end on November 23.

Alongside taking other measures, the authorities have imposed a ban on carrying all kinds of meat, except chicken.

People concerned said deer hunting spree sees a sharp rise during the festival every year as hundreds of boats carrying thousands devotees throng the venue at Alorkol in Dublar Char, close to the coast of Bay of Bengal, under Sharankhola Range of the mangrove forest.

“We had a meeting with the district administration to stop poaching of deer at any cost during the festival period,” Divisional Forest Officer (East Division) of the Sundarbans Mahamudul Hasan said, adding that the pilgrims will have to travel from eight selected points during day time.

Use of loudspeakers and carrying firearms and ammunition are completely restricted, he said, adding that no public movement will be allowed at night. 

He said the committee for celebrating the Rash Mela has already completed all the arrangements and also taken special monitoring measure to stop deer hunting during the festival.

“Alongside Rapid Action Battalion, Coast Guard and Bangladesh Navy, sixteen patrol teams of the forest department will work for the protection of the pilgrims in Pashur, Salah, Bhola and Shibsa rivers from November 20,” the forest official said.

“The forest department has fixed eight river routes from Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and adjacent Barguna for the pilgrims to travel to the venue, he said, adding that visitors will have to finish all their activities and leave the forest area before sunset on November 23.