The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Barisal

The Hindu community celebrated 'Shwashan Dwipabali' on the day of 'Bhot-Chaturdashi' here at Shwashankhola area of the town on Friday.

The historic Shwashan Dwipabali, the famous religious festival of the sub-continent, has been celebrating here for about 182 years since 1825.

The family members lit candles and 'augarbatis' at the tombs of their nearest and dearest ones who were cremated there.

The relatives offered sweets at the foot of the tombs.

Besides, they offered prayers and recited from the Holy Gita seeking divine blessings for the salvation of the departed souls, who had been cremated there, in the Thursday evening.

Relatives from home and abroad including India, America and Britain attended the holy occasion with religious fervour and gaiety.

At least 50,000 people took part in this religious function here on Thursday.

The law enforcing agencies including Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police and plain-clothed law enforcers took security measures around the Shwashan area of over five acres of land. The shwashan area was decorated tastefully on the occasion.