Traditional holy dip for the 'salvation of soul'
Traditional holy dip for the 'salvation of soul'
'Shombolpur ghat' to mark the 127th birth anniversary of Thakur Anukul Chandra
“Go to 'Ganga' (Shambalpur ghat point in Hemayetpur of Pabna) for holy dip on Vadra, 30 for salvation of the soul.” Thakur Anukul Chandra asked his devotees before his death in 1968. Thousands of devotees have been rushing to Shambalpur Ghat on that day to partake in the holy dip of salvation ever since.
The devotees observe the traditional holy dip on the occasion of birth anniversary of revered Hindu sage Thakur Anukul Chandra every year. Like previous years, the 47th traditional 'Ganga Snan' was observed at Shombolpur ghat in Hemayetpur of Pabna while September, 17 this year marked the 127th birth anniversary of the sage.
"The devotees observe the traditional Ganga-snan at Shombolpur ghat every year, marking the birth anniversary of Thakur Anukul Chandra. This is the 47th consecutive Ganga-snan festival organized by Satsangha Bangladesh," said Tapon Sarkar Hari, organizer of the Pabna unit of Satsangha Bangladesh.
"Shombolpur Ghat of Hemayetpur village is a holy place for devotees as the Thakur, a resident of the village, used to bathe here," he said.
Thakur Anukul Chandra used to bathe at the Shambalpur ghat when he was staying at Hemayetpur since 1947 according to Shatshangha. Before his departure in 1969 he asked his devotees to observe a holy dip here for purification of soul.
Devotees of Thakur came to Shambalpur Ghat overcoming obstacles during the Pakistani government's reign while the traditional holy dip turned into one of the largest festivals in Pabna since the nation's independence, said Advocate Shafikul Islam Shibli, a researcher of the sage.
“Thousands of devotees rush to Shombolpur ghat every year from home and aboard. The arrival of devotees turned into one of the biggest traditional festivals in Pabna.” Shibli said adding that the Shambalpur ghat becomes festive every year.
Discussions, religious offerings and the unveiling of a book titled 'Abirvab', based on the life and works of the sage, took place on the occasion.
Kunjo Bihar Aditya, president of Satsangha Bangladesh, chaired the inaugural program while superintendent of Pabna Police, Miraz Uddin Ahmed inaugurated the two day festival on Monday as the chief guest.
Among the speakers, Dr. Abdul Alim, chairman of Pabna University of Science and Technology's Bangla Department and Secretary of Satsangha Bangladesh, Dhritabata Aditya spoke on the occasion focusing on the spirit of Thakur Anukul Chandra.
The speakers urged people to uphold Anukul Chandra's teachings and ideals to establish fraternity among all, while keeping aside narrow communal attitude for the sake of humanity.