Month-long traditional Ras Mela has begun at historic Kantaji temple in Kaharole upazila today. Photo: BSS

DINAJPUR, Nov 6, 2025 (BSS)- Month-long traditional Ras Mela has begun at historic Kantaji temple in Kaharole upazila here today.

The fair officially commenced one minute past midnight on Thursday with rituals and prayers of Ras Festival. Marking the festival, Hindu devotees began offering prayers to the deity since the evening.

Ranjit Kumar Singh, caretaker of the Dinajpur Raj Debottar Estate, said the historic Kantaji temple is situated on the west bank of the Dhepa River in Sundarpur Union of the upazila. 

He said Ras Mela began at this temple about 275 years ago. Following that tradition, the fair is being organized every year.

This year’s fair includes grameen mela, circus and along with selling of locally produced handicrafts, puja and household materials, potteries, baby toys and sweetmeats in numerous stalls set up in and around the temple premises.

Priest of the temple Paritosh Brahmachari said thousands of male and female devotees have been arriving for the past two to three days with the hope of catching a glimpse of Radha-Krishna’s idols and get rid of the sin and earn blessings.

Every day devotees will offer prayers to the deity and Prasad will be distributed among the devotees.

Many take the prashad home to share with family members, while others eat it at the temple with a sense of spiritual fulfillment. Thus, the month-long Ras Mela continues each day through prayer and worship.

Kaharole Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mokleda Khatun Mim said strict security measures have been taken by the administration to ensure safety during the Ras Mela.