Tens of thousands of devotees gathered on Thursday along the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Kurigram to observe the sacred bathing ritual on Ashtami, one of the most significant religious observances for followers of Sanatan Dharma. The holy baths began at dawn across several ghats, including Nunkhawa Ghat in Nageshwari, Jatrapur Ghat in Sadar, and Jorgach and Ramna Ghats in Chilmari Upazila. Before entering the river, many devotees chanted mantras such as “Om Brahmaputra Mahabhag…” praying for the forgiveness of sins. According to the organizing committee, the annual Ashtami Bath Festival is observed on the eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra month. Sujan Mohanta, a devotee, said, Rishi Parashuram took a bath in the Brahmaputra on this day to cleanse the sin of matricide.

Source: bd News24 March 26, 2026 14:18 UTC