The Hindu community throughout Barisal district geared up to observe the Shamshan Dipali Utsab at Maha Shamshanghats on Saturday, along with the celebration of Diwali in their homes.
This special religious festival has a rich history, with the Barisal Hindu community engaging in traditional worship for over 160 years, dating back to 1850.
The worship of Maha Shamshan Kali commenced at Barisal Maha Shamshan Ghats in the Kaunia and Natunbazar areas of the city on the evening of Saturday, transforming the entire crematorium into a decorated space.
The new cremation grounds for the Hindu community in Barisal were established 206 years ago on 5 acres and 95 decimal lands in the Kaunia area of Barishal city. The religious fervor peaks on the night before Kali Puja, seeking blessings for the departed souls of loved ones.
Hindu households will be adorned with lighting on this joyous occasion. Devotees have already started offering flowers and food through rituals (Puja) and special prayers at the Shamshan Ghat to seek eternal blessings for the departed souls.
The Maha Shamshan Ghats at Kawnia Marokkhola and Aadi Shamshan Ghat in the Natun Bazar areas of the city are expected to draw thousands of Hindu community members from across the district.
Manik Mukherjee Kudu, president of the Barisal Maha Shamshan Rakkha Committee, said that the Hindu community has been observing the Maha Shamshan Dipali festival since 1850, specifically at Aadi Shamshan Ghat of Natun Bazaar and Maha Shamshan Ghat of Kawnia, two crematoriums in Barisal city.
Organizers of the festival have announced that several colorful gas-filled balloons (Fanus) will be released into the night sky at the Shamshan Ghats during Maha Shamshan Diwali.
The religious festivities will also feature a fair in the area with stalls offering sweetmeats and traditional toys.
Heightened security
To ensure a peaceful environment, hundreds of uniformed law enforcement personnel are assigned to oversee the Shamshan Diwali festival.
Twenty CCTV cameras will monitor the entire Deepali area of the crematorium. The Crematorium Protection Committee, consisting of 100 volunteers, will be responsible for the overall management of the area.
In addition, the Crematorium Protection Committee has decided that individuals found consuming drugs or attempting to enter the crematorium area in an intoxicated state will be immediately handed over to law enforcement agencies, as confirmed by the general secretary, Tamal Malakar.
