Rash Mela begins; no fair this year

Rash Mela, a festival of the Hindus, began today at Alorkol in Dublar Char near the Sundarbans.
This event will continue till Saturday.
As per the forest department, entry to the Sundarbans requires prior approval and a designated fee to be paid at an authorised office. Security has been heightened, with personnel from the forest department, coast guard, naval police, and additional agencies on guard, to ensure a safe celebration.
However, there will be no fair this year.
Pradip Basu Shantu, general secretary of the Rash Festival Committee, emphasised that this year’s festival is restricted to religious practices over security concerns. “We’ve provided each vessel with guidelines to follow forest protocols. We expect to conclude the Rash Mela peacefully,” he said.
Most devotees are expected to reach at Alorkol by this evening and will spend the night in boats, launches, or trawlers before going to the principal temple.
The main worship will be conducted tomorrow evening at the principal temple, allowing devotees to fulfil vows and perform special rituals.
The will conclude on Saturday morning with a ceremonial holy bath, after which pilgrims will begin their return journey.
“Entry to the forest will be regulated, and single-use plastics are strictly prohibited. Devotees must bring their own cooking fuel and refrain from cutting any trees or hunting wildlife. An executive magistrate will be on-site to issue immediate penalties for any hunting violations,” said Kazi Mohammad Nurul Karim, divisional (east Sundarbans) forest officer.