Rajganj, 26th March: A large number of devotees gathered at the Karatoya River in Ambari, Rajganj, to take part in the traditional Ashtami holy dip, as the long-standing ritual marked its 57th year.
Organised by the Ambari Ganga Sangha Club, the event witnessed a steady influx of pilgrims from early morning, with the riverbanks and surrounding areas bustling with activity. Devotees from Ambari, Rajganj, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri and nearby regions assembled to participate in the sacred bathing ritual.
As part of the annual tradition, a seven-day fair has also been organised, beginning today and continuing till April 1. The event was formally inaugurated by outgoing Rajganj MLA Khageswar Roy, in the presence of other local dignitaries.
Organisers stated that the Ashtami holy dip and fair have been conducted for the past 57 years under the initiative of the Ambari Maa Ganga Sangha. Adequate arrangements have been made to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees, including deployment of speedboats in the river and separate changing rooms for women.
Like every year, organisers expect a gathering of nearly one lakh people for the traditional Ashtami celebrations and the associated fair.