Celebrating Devotion: Bangladesh's Iconic Kheturi Festival Unites Thousands

The Kheturi Festival, a major Vaishnava gathering, celebrates the legacy of Narottama Das Thakur. Set in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, it draws nearly half a million devotees. The festival emphasizes religious harmony, with both Hindu and Muslim locals hosting attendees. Highlights include kirtan, traditional events, and a village fair.

Bangladesh is gearing up for the Kheturi Festival, the largest Vaishnava reunion, marking the death anniversary of revered Vaishnav Saint Narottama Das Thakur. Known for his devout poetry dedicated to Radha and Krishna, Narottama is hailed as an embodiment of the devotion and love exemplified by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Massive crowds are flocking to the northern Rajshahi district, located 247 kilometers from Dhaka, as part of a three-day festival steeped in a 400-year tradition set to commence on Monday. Organizers expect around 500,000 devotees from across Bangladesh, according to Shyamapad Sanal, Secretary of the Gaurangdev Trust.

This vibrant festival serves as a testament to religious harmony, with Hindu and Muslim families in the region offering their homes to accommodate visitors. In response to the large gathering, police have implemented additional safety measures. Sanal has invited foreign guests needing assistance to reach out, noting past participation from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and India.

The festival venue spans over five square kilometers, featuring a constructed pandal where kirtan performances will continue for 24 hours, as reported by Tanjimul Haq, a local journalist. The event schedule boasts auspicious adjournment on Monday evening, Charabe Naam Sankirtan from dawn on Tuesday, and culminates on Wednesday with Bhog Mahotsav, Dadhimangal, and Mahant Bidayam. A village fair will also take place during the festivities.

The Kheturi Festival, initiated by Narottam to honor 'Goura Purnima' or Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's birth, is a celebration steeped in legend. As reported by The Daily Star, following Mahaprabhu's death, many devotees reportedly had visions of him, emphasizing Narottam's spiritual legacy.

(With inputs from agencies.)