The 200-year-old Charak Puja will begin tomorrow on the banks of the historic Chhaychiri Dighi in Moulvibazar's Kamalganj upazila.

The two-day festival has sparked immense excitement among locals, particularly the Hindu community of Chhaychiri and adjacent areas. The festival is expected to draw thousands of devotees and visitors from across the country.

Organisers say preparations are complete for the annual celebration, which coincides with the Chaitra Sankranti as per the Hindu calendar.

Additionally, a three-day fair has already started today, a day before the Charak Puja. The fair will continue until next Tuesday (April 15), a day after Bangla New Year.

Traditionally, the festival centred around Charak Puja begins 10 to 12 days prior to the main event to be observed tomorrow. During this period, around 40 to 50 devotees visit door-to-door with idols of Shiva and Gauri. They engage in singing and dancing.

The devotees perform rituals at the crematorium two days before the main event. This is followed by dramatic displays, such as the symbolic marriage of Gauri, and ceremonial songs accompanied by rhythmic beats of dhak and drums.

The puja reaches its climax with spectacular spiritual performances, including walking on fire, the Kali dance, and Tantric chants. Women make vocal sounds known as Ulu Dhwani while crowds cheer in unison, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Visitors come to witness the awe-inspiring displays, especially the act of body suspension, where devotees are suspended through hooks in their flesh, spinning around high poles. The Hindu devotees dressed as Shiva and Kali often perform dances while holding fire and tridents, surrounded by mesmerised onlookers.

A visitor, Pronith Ranjan Devnath, said, "The entire area comes alive with the sounds of Ulu Dhwani, dhak, kansar, and conch shells. It's an incredible spiritual and cultural experience."

He also said, "I came here last year. I saw people walking and jumping. They were moving here and there by piercing iron bars through their tongues. Some were hanging from 25-30 feet high Charak trees with the help of a spear embedded in their backs and were continuously moving in circles. Many, dressed like Shiva and Kali, were dancing wildly with fire and tridents in their hands."

On Tuesday, Charak Puja will be observed again with the installation of four trees around Chhaychiri Dighi — one each on the east and north banks, and two on the south. Worshippers will offer flowers, milk, and sugar to the trees before they are rotated as part of the ritual.

Aniruddha Prasad Roy Chowdhury, president of the Charak Puja Celebration Committee, said, "I am the successor of King Dharmanarayan Roy Chowdhury. The king built this 30-acre pond for water supply and local farmers. This puja started with the four separate trees around the pond, which is still ongoing."

"All necessary arrangements have been finalised," he continued, urging all stakeholders to cooperate to ensure the event's success.

Law enforcement agencies, including police and other security personnel, will be deployed to maintain order and safety throughout the event, said Shamim Akonji, officer-in-charge (investigation) of Kamalganj Police Station.

Kamalganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Makhon Chandra Sutradhar said, "The administration is closely monitoring preparations to prevent any untoward incidents during the puja and fair."

A large fair will also be held on the occasion, showcasing a variety of traditional rural items and crafts, further enriching the cultural experience for attendees, he added.