Gangasagar Yajna with 111 kg of chilies performed to pray for peace and safety of Bangladesh Hindus

A major religious ceremony was conducted at Gangasagar to pray for the peace and well-being of Hindus in Bangladesh. The yajna involved burning 111 kilograms of dried chilies, symbolizing a purification ritual. Along with this, ascetics and priests chanted the Mahamrityunjaya mantra, performed kirtans, and played the Shrikhol. The event also included sun salutations as part of the prayers, which aimed to invoke peace and stability for the Hindu minority in Bangladesh amid rising religious tensions.

The prayer event was organized due to escalating concerns over the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh, where multiple incidents of violence have been reported. These include attacks on temples, desecration of idols, and the setting of Hindu homes on fire. Hindu organizations have expressed concerns about the worsening climate of religious intolerance. While the Bangladesh interim government has claimed that these incidents are primarily politically motivated, Hindu groups argue that these actions have a significant religious undertone and are reflective of broader sectarian violence.

The ceremony at Gangasagar also included prayers for Mohammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to Bangladesh's interim government, requesting divine guidance for his leadership. Yunus has been overseeing the country during a period of political upheaval following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024. The interim government has taken steps to address the violence, but concerns remain regarding the treatment of religious minorities and the growing political instability that has affected national security.

Another significant issue contributing to the strained relationship between Bangladesh and India is the treatment of Indian fishermen. On multiple occasions, Indian fishermen have been detained by Bangladesh's maritime authorities. In one instance, 95 Indian fishermen were detained, with reports indicating that they were physically abused during their captivity. They were allegedly tied up and beaten with sticks, suffering injuries to their lower bodies. This incident has been met with condemnation in India, and the return of these fishermen has led to heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

The violence against Hindus, along with the ongoing abuse of Indian fishermen, comes against the backdrop of Bangladesh's political and economic instability. Since the fall of the previous government, the country has experienced significant unrest, with reports of political clashes, economic disruption, and rising religious tensions. The ongoing political vacuum has left many issues unresolved, and the government faces increasing pressure to address the growing concerns over both religious freedom and national security.