Kamalganj (Moulvibazar) Correspondent

The largest religious and traditional Rash festival of the Manipuri community has started with Rakhal dance in Kamalganj of Moulvibazar.

The festival started around 12 noon on Monday at Shibbazar open stage in Madhavpur of the upazila with the sound of Dhak-Dhol, Khol-Kartal and Conchs around the Leela of Sri Krishna and his friend Radha.

The 181st Rash festival is being held at Madhavpur Jora Mandapa. Thousands of people including foreign pilgrims are participating in the festival.
At 11:30 pm Jora Mandapam will be held at the Main Prana Maharasalila. Senior officials of the administration including men and women, children and teenagers, poets and writers, journalists, local and foreign pilgrims have gathered to enjoy the joy of Maharatri. Mandap premises of Madhavpur are becoming lively with their walk.

Madhavpur Mandaps are decorated with elaborate white paper designs around the festival of Rash Lighting has also been done.

The festival has become a grand gathering of Manipuri culture.General Secretary of Maharasalila Seva Sangho Shyam Singh said, this time the 181st Maharasalila event will be held at Madhavpur Jora Mandap at 3:30 p.m. Greeting exchange meeting and lamp lighting. President of the Parliamentary Committee on Estimated Accounts will be the chief guest.

Abdus Shahid MP. Kamalganj Upazila Parishad Chairman Rafiqur Rahman, Srimangal Upazila Parishad Chairman Bhanulal Roy and Kamalganj Municipality Mayor Md. will be special guests. Jewel Ahmed. Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Abu Ahmad Siddiqui will be the chief guest at the discussion meeting and cultural program will be held at 7:30 pm.

Sylhet Additional Divisional Commissioner Debjit Singh, Bangladesh Police Sylhet Range Additional DIG (Admin and Finance) Syed Harun Or Rashid, Moulvibazar Deputy Commissioner Dr. will be special guests. Urmi Binte Salam and Superintendent of Police. Manzoor Rahman. The Maharasalila of Sri Sri Krishna will begin at 11:30 PM, which will continue till Tuesday morning.

Like every year, a big fair is held in Shivbazar of Madhavpur on the occasion of Maharasalila.

Meanwhile, the 40th Rash Utsav is being organized by the Manipuri Maitai community in Adampur of Kamalganj.