DJ Venkatesh
Mayabunder, Mar 26: The birthday celebrations of Haridasa Thakura was celebrated by Matua Mahasangha, near GSSS Pahalgaon at Pahalgaon, Tugapur, Mayabunder. Matua Mahasangha is a religious reformation movement that originated from the village of Buron in the present district of Satkira which was previously a subdivision of Khulna, Bangladesh. Matua is a section of Hindu folk religion. The movement was launched as a reformation by the followers of Sri Harichand Thakur, popularly to by adherents as God. The teachings of Sri Sri Harichand Thakur established education as preeminently important for the adherent and the up-liftment of the population the adherents duty, while also providing a formula for ending social conflict. Initially the Matua-mahasangha followers or “matuas” formed an organization in Orakandi, Faridpur (Bangladesh).
After Orakandi and Thakur village of West Bengal, Pahalgaon is believed to the third largest place where followers gather to worship. More than 7000 devotees reached this year for Baruni from various parts of these Islands.
Asst. Commissioner (HQ) Mr. T.N.Meena, N & M Andaman also graced on this occasion. People from Hutbay, Neil, Havelock, Mayabunder, Diglipur thong to celebrate the festival. People from a group from remote villages reach here carrying Dhol, flags chanting Hari naam.
After reaching they offer prayers at Hari Temple at a nearby pond the devotees took a dip and bath which is believed to be equal to bath in the Ganga river. Annadaan is offered to devotees which is followed by bhajans, kirtans of harinaam throughout the night. The next day the Maha bhog is offered to the Thakur.
Surprisingly apart from traffic arrangements no other help was seen offered by the administration for this huge crowd. Devotees demanded that Sanitation, Hygienic, temporary sheds, proper electricity, transport facilities for remote villages should also be offered by the administration as the devotees stay here for two continuous nights.
As this festival is celebrated every year and increasing popularity of this fest the administration should make proper arrangements for the devotees as the organizers are not collecting any money from the devotees to organize this fest, the devotees voluntarily offer edibles like rice, vegetables, drinking water etc from their own.
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