Photo: BSS

GOPALGANJ, March 15, 2026 (BSS) - Marking the appearance anniversary of Harichand Thakur, the largest Snan Utsav (holy bathing festival) and three-day Baruni Fair in the country's southwestern region will begin tomorrow at Orakandi in Kashiani upazila here.

The Snan Utsab will start at 8.30am tomorrow and conclude at 8.37am on Tuesday with the ritual holy bath.

Thousands of Matua devotees from home and abroad have already gathered at Sreedham Orakandi Thakur Bari to take part in the festival. 

The district administration and the organizing committee have taken extensive preparations to ensure the smooth observance of the event.

To maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident during the Snan Utsab and Baruni Fair, observation towers and CCTV cameras have been installed in the Thakur Bari area. 

Members of law enforcement agencies have taken extensive security measures. Alongside the police, army patrols and more than 200 volunteers of the Matua Sangha are performing duties.

Devotees from India's West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and other countries including Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka are expected to join the festival.

A large three-day Baruni Fair has also been set up beside the Thakur Bari to mark the festival. 

Hundreds of traders have arranged stalls displaying traditional handicrafts, including aesthetic furniture made of wood, bamboo and cane. Earthen crafts symbolizing rural heritage, toys and palm-leaf fans are among the main attractions of the fair.

The district administration and law enforcement agencies are working to ensure security, traffic management and overall arrangements for the festival. 

President of the organizing committee Amitabh Thakur said, "All preparations have been completed to ensure the festival is held peacefully and smoothly. Arrangements for pure drinking water, temporary toilets and medical services have been made for the devotees and Orakandi is fully prepared to welcome the Matua followers."

Superintendent of Police Md. Habibullah said, "Extensive security measures have been taken to ensure the successful holding of the Orakandi Thakur Bari Snan Utsab and Baruni Fair."

He added that law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies will maintain strict surveillance to ensure the security.