The annual Shiv Chaturdashi Puja and Adinath Fair have commenced at the revered Adinath Temple in Maheshkhali. The festival began Wednesday (February 26) and will continue until March 4, drawing thousands of Hindu devotees seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Every year, on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Bengali month of Falgun, devotees flock to this sacred pilgrimage site to offer prayers to Devadidev Shiva. As winter fades and spring sets in, worshippers from across the country gather at Bangladesh’s only hilly island, Maheshkhali, to participate in the grand festivities.
A Sacred Journey to the Hilltop Temple
Since Tuesday, many pilgrims have been arriving at the temple’s premises at the foothills of Mainak Parbat. The temple, perched atop the 288-foot-high hill, offers a mesmerizing natural beauty. To reach the sanctum, visitors must climb 69 stone steps—a journey considered an integral part of the pilgrimage experience.
According to Adinath Temple’s chief priest, Rahul Chakraborty, the main puja rituals began today at 10:11 AM and will conclude on February 27 at 9:59 AM.
A Fair Filled with Tradition and Flavor
The Adinath Fair, running alongside the puja, is a major attraction featuring hundreds of stalls selling a variety of goods—children’s toys, women’s clothing, traditional Bengali earthenware, and household items. Food vendors have also set up shop, but the fair is particularly famous for its jaggery-infused jalebi (syrupy funnel cake). This delicacy has inspired numerous stories, songs, and poems. Skilled jalebi makers from across the country travel to this festival to showcase their craft.
Security and Transport Arrangements
To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, the Maheshkhali police have deployed a dedicated security team throughout the fairgrounds. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Kaiser Hamid confirmed that police personnel will remain on duty around the clock.
Meanwhile, Moheshkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Adinath Fair Committee President Md. Hedayet Ullah stated that all necessary preparations have been made to facilitate a safe and organized pilgrimage experience. Additional police patrols have been arranged, and sufficient boats and vehicles have been deployed to ensure seamless transportation for devotees and visitors.
Pilgrims can reach the Adinath Temple via road from Chakaria to Moheshkhali or by boat from Cox’s Bazar’s 6 No. Jetty, using speedboats and traditional wooden boats to arrive directly at the Adinath Jetty.
As devotees embark on their spiritual journey, the Shiv Chaturdashi Puja and Adinath Fair uphold a centuries-old tradition, blending faith, festivity, and heritage in the heart of Maheshkhali.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
