Langalbandh Ashtami Snan

At Langalbandh, on the Old Brahmaputra just south-east of Dhaka, Hindus believe a bath on Chaitra Shukla Ashtami washes away sins. Around a million pilgrims come from across Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the country.

Updated 21 October 2026.

Dates

The window follows the lunar calendar, and in 2027 it falls next to Pohela Boishakh on 14 April.

What happens

• Pilgrims bathe at about 20 ghats along three kilometres of river, with offerings of flowers, paddy, fruit and mango leaves.
• Temple pujas and kirtan, and volunteers giving out khichuri and water.
• A large riverside fair.

Getting there

Langalbandh is 20 to 25 km south-east of Dhaka off the Dhaka–Chattogram highway, in Bandar and Sonargaon upazilas. Pilgrim traffic causes long jams, so leave very early, or come by boat.

Tips for visiting

• Crowds are enormous; a stampede in 2015 killed ten people. Stay at the edges and avoid the main surge.
• Ask before photographing bathers.
• Wear light, modest clothes and carry water.
• Combine it with the old capital at Panam City, Sonargaon.

Visiting with us

We visit early with a guide and continue to Sonargaon, as on our Panam City and Sonargaon day tour. Plan your trip.

Ashtami Snan FAQs