Beyond customs, it is memory: The All Souls Day in Dhaka

There are thoughts that never perish

Bright, unfading, through long years

So thy memory we cherish

Shrined in hope, embalmed in tears.

A beautiful, sweet note was written on the epitaph of a 66-year-old lady's grave who died in 2005. It might be written by her husband, who still can't forget her. They might visit the grave with heavy hearts. 

This grave and epitaph is from the Armenian Church. There are many epitaphs with memorable, sweet quotations like this. 

Narinda Christian Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Bangladesh. Though this cemetery is about 400 years old, the oldest grave in this cemetery is 300 years old, dated 1724. 

November 2nd is the day the Catholics celebrate "All Souls Day" every year by praying for the peace of the departed souls of these dears.  

Christians pray for the forgiveness of the souls of their dead relatives on this day. Special prayers were organized for the dead in the church and cemetery from the morning. Religious music is played. Rose water is sprinkled on the grave for the peace of the souls. Christ Prasad is distributed among the devotees.

They lit candles, and the fragrance of various flowers, including marigolds, roses, tuberoses, and thousands of people around, prove that even after death, the importance of loved ones does not diminish in our lives.

There are 669 graves in Tejgaon Christian Cemetery. After every 6 or 7 years, new bodies are buried over the old grave. For the vast population, everyone can't reserve graves. Only essential personalities, like the graves of 'Fathers' and 'Sisters', can be found in this cemetery.

Generally the graves are marked with numbers written on cement crosses towards the shear, and the reserved grave has an epitaph with its information. 

In each row, there were flowers and candles in the hands of relatives. Many people from other religions also came to this cemetery to participate in the All Souls Day celebrations.

The smell of incense sticks rose water, and flowers mingled with the scent of grass burnt by the candle fire. The light of thousands of candles illuminates rows of graves.

Many people are sitting quietly beside the grave, covered with many flowers. Someone is busy taking pictures with the memory of the deceased relative. This was the scene at the Tejgaon Christian Cemetery on the November 2nd.

Regarding the celebration of All Souls Day this year, Father Soni Rosario said, "Those of us who believe in God all come to the cemetery to remember the souls of our loved ones. Everyone gets used to it from an early age, so despite the huge crowd, it is easy to deal with it. The situation is expected, so we do not need police protection today."

Angelina Dora, a 66-year-old cancer patient, also came to remember her loved ones at the festival.

She said, "I believe my life is futile if I cannot wish for the well-being of society and mankind above myself. Mankind will be good only if we are engaged in the service of God. To that end, my son also left home, promising to become a pastor. I may not live to see his success. Today, I have come here in memory of my relatives and, at the same time, wish that I could die seeing a beautiful and equal Bangladesh."

Origin of all souls day

According to Roman Catholicism, after the death of a person, before entering heaven, the soul has to go to Purification or 'Purgatory' for the atonement of all his minor sins.

Only a soul can coexist with God in heaven when completely free from sin. During this period, his surviving relatives pray for the speedy redemption of the soul.

Christians have observed this custom of praying for the dead since ancient times. However, since the 10th century, a special day of mourning has been set for the souls of Purgatory.

According to the official Vatican website, All Souls Day has been celebrated on November 2nd every year since 998 AD. The rituals of this prayer have also changed a lot in different places and times.

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