Ras Mela concludes

Traditional Ras Mela, a major festival of the Hindu community of the country's southern region, concluded yesterday. Several thousands of Hindu devotees thronged at the venue to celebrate the 3-day religious festivities amid religious fervour. Various programms like Kirton, religious discussion, puja to Shree Krisna and Radha idols and dip in sea water were organised. A good number of tourists gathered at the sea beach to mark the 200-year-old religious festivities. A cultural function was held at a temporary mondop throughout the night. Among others, Kiron Roy, a prominent singer, charmed the audience. Devotees believe that bath in sea water wipes out their sin. People irrespective of faith, cast and creed joined the colourful festivities. Similar programmes were also arranged at Dubler Char and the Sundarbans.