Princh Mondal Olif, Bagerhat Correspondent

The historic Harinam Mahayajna and Motua Grand Gathering-2026 was held with great inspiration  and religious fervor at the renowned Bangladesh Ashwini Sebashram in Gangachanna village under Kolatola Union of Chitalmari upazila in Bagerhat, preserving its century-old tradition and heritage.

The event formally began on the night of April 16, 2026 (Thursday) with the traditional religious ritual known as “Adhibas.” The main event commenced on Friday, April 17, and continued for two days, featuring a series of religious activities including Harinam Sankirtan, devotional music, and distribution of sacred food (Prasad).

During the two-day gathering, the ashram premises and surrounding areas became vibrant with the presence of thousands of devotees and visitors from different parts of the country. The rhythmic sounds of traditional drums and cymbals, along with collective chanting, created a deeply spiritual and festive atmosphere throughout the venue.

A major attraction of the event was the sacred pond named “Kamona Sagar,” located within the ashram grounds. From early morning, large numbers of devotees gathered there to take ritual baths. According to religious belief, bathing in Kamona Sagar helps cleanse sins and brings spiritual purification, drawing participants from distant areas.

The event stood out as a remarkable example of communal harmony. People from both Hindu and Muslim communities actively participated in serving the devotees. Volunteers were seen distributing drinking water, assisting visitors, and ensuring their comfort, reflecting a strong spirit of humanity and coexistence.

The entire program was conducted peacefully under the supervision of the local administration and law enforcement agencies. Adequate security measures ensured that no untoward incidents occurred, allowing devotees to perform their religious practices without any disruption.

A traditional Baishakhi fair was also organized alongside the event, where hundreds of vendors displayed a variety of goods including toys, sweets, and household items. The fair added a festive dimension and contributed positively to the local economy.

On Friday afternoon, leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) from Bagerhat district, Mollahat upazila, and Chitalmari upazila visited the venue. They were warmly welcomed with floral garlands and traditional scarves by Kapil Krishna Mondal, President of Bangladesh Ashwini Sebashram Gangachanna, Co-Secretary of Bangladesh Motua Bahujan Oikko Samaj, an internationally recognized representative of the Hindu community, and a key BNP leader of the Bagerhat-1 constituency.

Among others present were Sanjibon Kumar Gain, General Secretary of the Sebashram Committee, along with other committee members.

A significant highlight of the event was the arrival of M A Salam, former President of Bagerhat District BNP and current District Coordinator. Despite the intense heat, he traveled from distant Bagerhat to attend the gathering. His cordial exchange of greetings with Kapil Krishna Mondal created a memorable and symbolic moment. Their interaction conveyed a powerful message of unity beyond caste and social divisions, which was widely appreciated by the crowd.

According to local sources, Ahsan Habib Thandu, former General Secretary of Chitalmari Upazila BNP, along with his associates, played a vital and dedicated role in successfully organizing the event.

Overall, the two-day gathering emerged as a unique blend of religious devotion, cultural heritage, communal harmony, and social unity, leaving a lasting impression on devotees and visitors alike.