Thousands join Raas Mela in Kuakata

The over 100 year-old Hindu religious festival is held during 'Raas Purnima' or moon-lit night of the Bengali month 'Kartik' every year.

Devotees standing in chest-deep water in the sea and facing the rising sun offer prayers seeking god's blessings.

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Chiken, ducks, goats are also sacrificed in the name of lord Krishna for fulfilment of wishes.

The eighteen kilometers Kuakata sea beach is crowded on the occasion. Various religious rites, Kirtan (religious song) and folk songs are performed during this Mela day and night.

Different types stalls with traditional items have been opened.

Kalapara upazila administration, Kuakata Radha-Krishna Sebasram and Raas

Mela Udjapon Committee have taken steps to maintain law and order and sanitation, control traffic, and arrange treatment facilities.

The Raas Mela will end on Sunday.

Meanwhile environmentalists expressed their deep concern about the random killing of deer, birds and netting of fishes, which pollute the sea beach.