Bagerhat, July 19 -- Thousands of Hindu devotees and visitors are flocking to the nearly 400-year-old traditional Rath Mela at Laupala in Bagerhat every day, where religious devotion blends with a vibrant rural fair featuring handicrafts, household goods, amusement rides and giant "Balish Mishti."

The month-long fair, regarded locally as one of the country's oldest and largest Rath festivals, began on July 16 with the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath at the Sri Sri Gopal Jiu Temple at Laupala village in Bagerhat Sadar upazila.

Visitors of all ages have been crowding the fairgrounds every day, browsing stalls selling traditional handicrafts, bamboo and cane products, toys, cosmetics, household items and religious articles. Circus shows, amus...