Traditional Ras festival ends with holy bath at Kuakata

Holy bath of Raas Festival in Kuakata.

Patuakhali: The main ritual of the Ras festival ends at Kuakata in Patuakhali with a holy bath. On Monday morning at 5:30 am, the Hindu devotees completed this holy bath by floating gaon in the water of the beach in the hope of getting rid of all worldly sins.

Traditional women offer candles, agarbatis, betel leaves, flowers, paddy, durba, haritaki, dab, banana, oil and vermilion to the sea water before bathing. At this time, the whole beach became lively with uludbhani and chanting.

In addition, many vowers offer penance and pendana along with shaving their heads. Later, 17 pairs of twin idols were visited by Hindus. Although the Raslila ends at Kuakata with religious rituals, the festival will continue for another 5 days at Sri Sri Madanmohan Sevashram in Kalapara. - Gofran Biswas Palash