The Twelve-Month Pilgrimage

The annual pilgrimage of Baromari Mission in Sherpur takes place every year on the last Thursday and Friday of October. I had the good fortune to attend this year's pilgrimage. Some people from the Garo indigenous community have embraced me like a friend — they love me from their hearts without any ulterior motive. Their hospitality and sincerity are truly incomparable. Their simplicity would touch your heart.

I have a wonderful relationship with the two Fathers at the mission. Despite our brief acquaintance, they have taken me as one of their own. Last time too, I had lunch at their invitation and we shared many stories. They also belong to the Garo community. At the invitation of these Fathers and some of my Garo friends, I attended yesterday's program after office hours. I'm here today as well.

Yesterday's program began at four in the afternoon and continued until half past twelve at night. From the Bishop, Archbishop, and Cardinal down to other Fathers, Brothers, and Sisters — all welcomed the pilgrims and guests who had come from across the country, spreading the warmth of their hearts.

All the prayers and rituals of the program revolved around prayers for peace for humanity worldwide, not just for followers of any particular religion. This is a grand festival of unity for all people, regardless of race, religion, or caste! After evening, thousands of people walked with candles in hand throughout the hilly areas of the mission, circling the statue of Mother Mary. From their souls flowed prayers for peace for humanity. What a magnificent sight it was! Unless you see it with your own eyes, no description, photograph, or video can convey its essence.

A wonderful fair has sprung up around the pilgrimage site. Thousands of people have gathered there. Yet there is no disorder anywhere, no unpleasantness at all. More than two hundred police were deployed at the venue. On this occasion, I met many dear people including Additional SP Hannan bhai, Senior ASP Afroza apu, Sajal dada, and many others. The continuous monitoring by the DC and SP was quite noticeable. I wandered around the fair until two in the morning. I met many people, had conversations. I even spoke with a local media outlet.

Super dada, Mintu dada, Lipa didi, my dear colleague Sajib, Father Tarun, Father Jiban, and many people from the Garo indigenous community have held me captivated since that very first day. My infinite gratitude and love to them all.

This Bangladesh of communal harmony is our Bangladesh. This is exactly the kind of Bangladesh we want to see. Anything beyond this is not ours, not part of our culture. We do not cherish or practice such things as Bangladeshis. Who belongs to which religion is a much smaller identity than this: we are people of this country, we are sons and daughters of this soil.