Tens of thousands of pilgrims joined the Mahatirtha Snanotsav at the Brahmaputra River, a holy pilgrimage site in Langalband today. Photo: BSS

NARAYANGANJ, April 5, 2025 (BSS) - Tens of thousands of pilgrims from home and abroad joined Mahatirtha Snanotsav, a traditional holy bath of Hindus, at Brahmaputra River at three kilometre-long holy pilgrimage site of Langalband here since early hours of today.

Pilgrims are participating in the ritual of self-purification by taking an Ashtami bath in the Brahmaputra River as the festival began at 2:08 am Saturday and continue till 12:51 am Sunday.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury visited the holy site this morning. District administration and police officials were present.

Extensive preparations were taken for ensuring safety of pilgrims as 1,500 members of the law enforcement agencies were deployed while medical facilities, sufficient toilet facilities and pure water supply have also been ensured, said Deputy Commissioner Md Zahidul Islam Miah.

After reciting mantras, pilgrims have been taking part in the bath with flowers, ‘Bel’(wood apple) leaves, paddy, Durba (grass), Haritaki (Myrobalan), Dab (green coconut), and Amra-pallab (Mango leaves). 

Immediately after the start of the holy Tithi, a stream of pilgrims descended on the Langalband area as the entire pilgrimage site on the bank of river Brahmaputra has been bustling with the footfall of thousands of pilgrims from different regions.

Authorities made arrangement for taking bath at 20 ghats-- Nalit Mohan Sadhu Ghat, Annapurna Ghat, Rajghat, Makri Sadhu Ghat, Gandhi (Crematorium) Ghat, Bhadreshwari Kali Ghat, Joykali Mandir Ghat, Rajghat, Rakshakali Mandir Ghat, Pashan Kali Mandir Ghat, Premtala Ghat, Mani Rishipara Ghat, Brahma Mandir Ghat, Dakshineswari Ghat, Panchpandav Ghat and Paresh Mahatma Ashram Ghat.

A committee was formed to organise ‘Mahatirtha Langalband Snanotsav’. Joy K. Roy Chowdhury Bappi, General Secretary of the committee, said district administration made special security measurers compared to previous years.
 
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah said overall arrangements were made for smooth performance of the holy ritual.