Rajganj, 26 March (Siliguri Chronicle) – A large number of devotees gathered at the Karatoya River in Ambari under Rajganj on Thursday to take part in the traditional Ashtami holy dip, as the long-standing ritual entered its 57th year.
Organised by the Ambari Ganga Sangha Club, the event saw a steady influx of pilgrims from early morning. The riverbanks and nearby areas remained crowded throughout the day, with devotees arriving from Ambari, Rajganj, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri and adjoining regions to participate in the sacred ritual.
Alongside the holy dip, a seven-day fair has been organised, which began on Thursday and will continue till April 1. The fair was formally inaugurated by outgoing Rajganj MLA Khageswar Roy in the presence of other local dignitaries.
Organisers said the Ashtami holy dip and the fair have been held continuously for the past 57 years under the initiative of the Ambari Maa Ganga Sangha. They added that adequate arrangements have been made for the safety and convenience of devotees, including deployment of speedboats in the river and separate changing facilities for women.
As in previous years, organisers expect a footfall of nearly one lakh people during the Ashtami celebrations and the accompanying fair.
