Kheturi Festival in Bangladesh: Honoring Saint Narottama Das Thakur
In Bangladesh, the Kheturi Festival, a major Vaishnava gathering, is set to take place in the Rajshahi district, 247 kilometers from Dhaka. This festival marks the death anniversary of the revered Vaishnav Saint Narottama Das Thakur, known for his devotional songs about Radha and Krishna.
A 400-Year Tradition
The festival, celebrated for over 400 years, will last three days starting Monday. It is expected to draw around 500,000 devotees from across Bangladesh. Shyamapad Sanal, Secretary to the Gaurangdev Trust, highlighted the festival as a symbol of religious harmony, with local Hindu and Muslim families offering their homes to visitors.
International Participation
While foreigners from countries like Australia, New Zealand, and India have attended in the past, it is unclear if any will join this year. Sanal encouraged any foreign attendees to reach out for assistance if needed.
Festival Activities
A large pandal has been set up over five square kilometers for continuous kirtan. The event will feature various activities, including Charabe Naam Sankirtan, Bhog Mahotsav, Dadhimangal, and Mahant Bidayam, along with a village fair.
Historical Significance
According to local reports, Narottama Das Thakur, son of King Krishnananda Dutta, renounced his royal status to pursue spirituality in Vrindavan. He initiated the Kheturi Festival to celebrate ‘Goura Purnima,’ the birth of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Legend says that 50 years after Mahaprabhu’s death, many devotees had visions of him.
Doubts Revealed
Kheturi Festival -: The Kheturi Festival is a religious event celebrated in Bangladesh. It is an important occasion for followers of the Vaishnava tradition, which is a branch of Hinduism.
Bangladesh -: Bangladesh is a country located to the east of India. It is known for its rich culture and history.
Vaishnava -: Vaishnava refers to a tradition within Hinduism that worships Lord Vishnu and his avatars, like Krishna and Rama. Followers are called Vaishnavas.
Saint Narottama Das Thakur -: Saint Narottama Das Thakur was a spiritual leader and poet in the Vaishnava tradition. He is known for spreading the teachings of Lord Chaitanya.
Rajshahi -: Rajshahi is a city in Bangladesh where the Kheturi Festival is held. It is known for its educational institutions and mangoes.
Goura Purnima -: Goura Purnima is a festival celebrating the birth of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a revered saint in the Vaishnava tradition.
Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu -: Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a spiritual leader who spread the practice of congregational chanting of the holy names of God. He is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna by his followers.
Kirtan -: Kirtan is a form of devotional singing or chanting, often performed in groups. It is a way to express devotion and connect with the divine.