Satyajit Das (Moulvibazar Correspondent):
The Shiv Chaturdashi Mela has begun at the historic **Nirmai Shivbari premises in Srimangal, Moulvibazar. This religious and cultural festival, organized on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, has seen a huge crowd of devotees and visitors since the first day.
The history of this Shiva temple located in Shankarsena village of Ashidron union in Srimangal is about 570 years old. The Maharaja of Tripura established this Shiva temple in 1454. Located on the banks of a large pond on the banks of the Bilashchhara river, visitors climb the stairs to visit the Baneshwar Shivalinga.
Every year on Mahashivaratri, devotees gather here to worship Shiva, fast and keep vigil at night. The two-day Shiva Chaturdashi Fair is held in the temple premises, where folk culture, holy baths and various events are held along with religious ceremonies.
Next to the Shiva temple are the Kali temple and the Ganesh temple, making it an important pilgrimage site not only for Shiva devotees but also for followers of traditional religions.
A wonderful blend of religious beliefs, traditions, and folk culture, the Shiva Chaturdashi Mela has become one of the attractions of Srimangal. Like every year, this historic place is bustling with devotees from far and wide.
