KHULNA, Oct 31, 2024 (BSS) - The forest department has designated five water routes for devotees heading to Dublar Char in the Sundarbans to participate in the Rash Mela scheduled for November 14 to 16.

The routes are: from Burigoalini-Kobadak rivers to Dublar Char via Batulanadi-Balnadi-Patkoshta-Hongshoraj, from Koyra-Kashiabad-Khashitana-Bojboja to Dublar Char via Arua Shibsa-Shibsa river-Marjat, from Naliyan Station to Dublar Char via Shibsa-Marjat river, from Dangmari-Chandpai station via Teenkona Dwip to Dublar Char, and Bogi-Baleswar-Supoti-Kachikhali station to Dublar Char crossing Shelar Char.

The Hindu devotees intending to participate in Rash Purnima Puja (Holy Bath) will have to pay an entry fee and no one will be allowed to move during the night time, said forest officials.

Boats, launches and trawlers will go to the festival area through the forest department checkpoints. The devotees were also requested to keep necessary live jackets or boyas at their water vessels.

Talking to BSS, Mihir Kumar Doe, Conservator of Forest of Khulna zone, said special security measures will be taken at Alorkol in Dublar Char near the Sundarbans ahead of the Rash Purnima puja (Holy Bath).

The authorities also have imposed a ban on carrying all kinds of meat, except chicken, fireworks and explosives, any domestic weapons and firearms.