The Hindu community of Barisal had observed the Maha Shamshan Dipali on Friday and Saturday night at Barisal Maha Shamshan Ghat and Dipabali and Diwali Utsav at their houses.
Worship of Maha Shamshan Kali, the goddess for the cremation-ground, also held on early Saturday.
The Maha Shamshan Dipali has a history of traditional worship in Barisal of more than 160 years dating back in 1850.
Total crematory area and houses of the Hindu community people were decorated with lights and lamps on this occasion.
Narayan Chandra Dey Naru, secretary of Barisal Maha Shamshan Rakkha Committee, said the special festival was being observed only at Adi-Shamshan Ghat of Natun Bazaar and Maha Shamshan Ghat of Kawnia in the sub-continent since 1850.
This traditional religious festival of Barisal Hindu community was observed with special religious rituals this year before and on the night of Kalipuja for the blessings of the departed souls of dearest and nearest ones, he added.
The two crematories became over crowded with thousands of Hindu community people who came from different parts of the country and abroad as well to attend the ceremony.
The devotees, washing the preserved places of the crematory, offered flowers, foods, and decorated places with lights, lamps and candle.
They arranged various types of rituals and special prayers at the Shamshan Ghat for the eternal blessings of the departed souls of their dearest and nearest ones.
Organisers said several “Fanus,” big size colourful gas-filled Ballons, were released in the sky on the night of Maha Shamshan Dipali and stalls of sweetmeats and traditional toys were set up at the area as part of the occasion.
Tight security arrangements were also taken by the law enforcers for peaceful observation of the festival.
Barisal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Shamsuddin said the law enforcers patrolled the city roads to ensure the security of the devotees and to maintain a peaceful inter-religious harmony and coexistences in the area.