- Pilgrims arriving on Raspurnima must carry NID or original copy of certificate obtained from UP Chairman while entering Sundarbans
There is a festive mood in the coastal region around Ras Utsav in Sundarbans Dublarchar. Preparations have been started for the devotees and visitors to go to Ras festival.
Every year on the full moon of the Shuklapaksha month of Kartik, a 3-day Ras Mela is held at Dublarchar Alorkol in the Sundarbans. Like every year, on the occasion of Ras Purnima, a three-day long traditional Ras Purnima puja and full bath will be held at Dublar Char in Sundarbans from November 14 to 16.
However, for the sake of biodiversity conservation, no one except pilgrims can travel to Sundarbans at that time. Apart from this, the Ras Mela is not centered on the festival. Findings revealed that some unscrupulous poachers from the neighboring areas enter the forest by disguised as fishermen and foresters 10/15 days before the start of the festival. Again when the Ras festival begins, the hunters mingle with the pilgrims. The visitors and the security personnel, who are enjoying the fair, indulge in deer hunting.
On the occasion of Raspurnima, traditional Raspurnima Puja and Punyasnan will be held for three days from November 14 to 16 at Dublarchar in Sundarbans with the participation of only Sanatan religious people. Sundarbans West Forest Division has designated five routes for visitors and pilgrims to travel safely to Punyasnan. Patrolling teams of Forest Department, Police, BGB and Coast Guard will be engaged in the safety of pilgrims and visitors on all these routes. Pilgrims coming for puja and punyasnan travel by launch, trawlers, speedboats and native boats on different river routes. The five routes approved in this regards are: Burigoalini, Kobadak to Batulandi-Balandi-Patkosta Canal via Hansraj River to Dublar Char. Arua through Koira, Kashiabad, Khasitana, Bajbaja, Shibsa-Shibsa River-Marjat and Dublar Char. Shibsa-Marjat river via Nalian station to Dublar Char. Dublar Char via Dhangmari or Chandpai Station-Tinkona Island and Bagi-Baleshwar-Supati Station-Kachikhali-Shelar Char via Dublar Char.
Visitors and pilgrims will be allowed for three days from November 14 to 16 to take part in the Punyasnan and at the point of entry there will be launch, trawler and boat entry fee, location fee and revenue as per rules as per the number of people. Pilgrims have to apply with copy of national identity card to get permission. Each permit will be stamped and the route/routes will be noted and pilgrims and visitors will use route/routes of their choice. On November 14, the journey should start at dusk. Boat routes designated for Raspurnima Punyasnan can be operated only during the day. Launches, trawlers and boats cannot be stopped anywhere except at the checking point of the forest department. Necessary number of live jackets or buoys shall be stored in the trawler.
Pilgrims arriving on Raspurnima must carry the National Identity Card or the original copy of the certificate obtained from the UP Chairman while entering the Sundarbans. The Sundarban West Forest Department has requested the pilgrims to follow the mentioned guidelines.
ZH
