Members of Harijan (the untouchable) community of Barisal city started the two-day traditional Surya puja (sun worship) early Friday morning.
The puja is being observed for the last 200 years by the community members.
All of the six Harijan colonies and settlements of the city are observing the occasion in a festive mood.
Going to the bank of the River Kirtonkhola Friday evening, they worshiped the setting sun.
The Surya Puja will be end today early morning through worship of the rising sun.
Jayanta Lal, secretary of Barisal Harijan Oikya Parishad, said the sun worship was one of the main festivals of this community.
The puja is locally known as ‘Joth’ puja.
The Harijan community members, who are mostly engaged in different types of cleaning services, believed that by their worship of the sun god they would be freed from different kinds of skin diseases.
The sun-bath on the sea shore and coast also represents the same theme of healthcare, the Harijan community leaders said.
On this occasion hundreds of Harijan community members with large number of female and children come out from their houses before sunset of Friday to the river bank.
Before the sunset, the worshippers rushed to the river bank and offer special prayer to the setting sun.
They also play traditional music instruments, decorate their houses, cook delicious foods and visit relatives and neighbours as part of the occasion.
-With New Age input
