Kantajew Rash Mela in Dinajpur

The Kantajew Temple at Kantanagar, near Dinajpur, is the most beautiful terracotta temple in Bangladesh, its walls covered with scenes from the epics and from daily life. Each year at Rash Purnima its deity, Kantaji, returns from Dinajpur Rajbari, and a fair grows around the temple for a month.

Updated 21 October 2026.

Dates

In 2026 the deity left by boat for Dinajpur Rajbari on 2 September, as it does every year before Janmashtami, and returns for Rash Purnima. The organisers announce the opening a few weeks ahead.

The temple

The temple was completed in 1752 under Maharaja Ramnath of Dinajpur. It was built with nine spires (navaratna), which fell in the earthquake of 1897. Every surface is carved terracotta.

What happens

• The deity’s return and procession around the temple, then Rash puja at midnight with bhajan and kirtan.
• Devotees from the northern districts, India and Nepal camp overnight.
• A fair of handicrafts and sweets for about a month.

Getting there

Dinajpur is eight to nine hours from Dhaka by bus or train; or fly to Saidpur and drive about one and a half hours. The temple is about 20 km north of Dinajpur town.

Tips for visiting

• Late November nights are cool in the north: bring a warm layer.
• Dress modestly and take your shoes off in the temple area.
• Combine it with Nayabad Mosque and Dinajpur Rajbari.

Visiting with us

We can build a north Bengal trip around the Rash Mela, with the temples of Dinajpur and the Tetulia tea gardens. Plan your trip.

Kantajew Rash Mela FAQs