In a visit marked by spirituality, cultural reverence and shared civilisational values, Indian Assistant High Commissioner in Sylhet, Aniruddha Das, visited the sacred Sri Sri Shachi Angan Dham in Joypur, Bahubal upazila of Habiganj on Thursday afternoon.

Widely revered as the maternal ancestral home of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the centuries-old pilgrimage site continues to attract devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment and devotional inspiration.

Arriving at around 4:40pm, the Indian diplomat was warmly received by temple authorities and members of the managing committee before embarking on a tour of the holy premises.

Immersing himself in the serene and devotional atmosphere, Aniruddha Das offered prayers, received prasadam and planted a sacred tamal sapling within the temple grounds, symbolising divine remembrance, environmental stewardship and the continuity of spiritual heritage.

Writing in the visitors' book, he described Sri Sri Shachi Angan Dham as a sacred repository of faith and a living testament to the region's rich spiritual and cultural legacy.

He observed that such pilgrimage centres transcend geographical boundaries, serving not only as places of worship but also as enduring symbols of inter-civilisational dialogue, cultural diplomacy and universal harmony.

Expressing optimism for the future, he emphasised the importance of preserving and further developing the holy site while enhancing facilities for devotees and pilgrims from Bangladesh, India and other parts of the world.

A courtesy meeting and spiritual discussion session followed, where participants highlighted the necessity of initiating efforts to establish a Bhakta Nibas (pilgrims' guest house) to accommodate the growing number of visitors and strengthen the pilgrimage experience.

Addressing the gathering were Dr Satyakam Chakraborty, Dr Nibas Pal, Randhir Chakraborty, Paritosh Banik and Biswanath Bhattacharya, who spoke about the significance of safeguarding the sacred heritage of Sri Sri Shachi Angan Dham for future generations.

Among those present were Dr Satyakam Chakraborty, president of the Sri Sri Shachi Angan Dham Managing Committee; Paritosh Banik, general secretary; Dr Nibas Pal, chairman of the Sri Sri Shachi Angan Seva Trust; Randhir Chakraborty, general secretary of the trust; senior vice-president Kandarpa Bijoy Banik; advocates Swaraj Ranjan Biswas and Sajal Biswas; Alhaj Sheikh Mohammad Firoz Mia, Dinabandhu Deb, Biswanath Bhattacharya, Sujit Chowdhury, Sukesh Deb, Kajol Kar, Swapan Deb, Nripesh Deb, Biplob Bhattacharya Rajib, Subir Deb Raju, Abdur Rahim, Sujit Ray Chowdhury and Niresh Deb.

Also present were Swapan Kumar Singh, Habiganj and Moulvibazar district correspondent for The Asian Age, and Bindu Chasha, a teacher at Habiganj Shilpakala Academy.

Accompanying the Indian Assistant High Commissioner was Rajesh Bhatia, Second Secretary (Press, Information, Culture and Education) at the Assistant High Commission of India in Sylhet.

The visit reflected not only diplomatic goodwill but also a deeper commitment to nurturing spiritual bonds, preserving sacred heritage and strengthening the timeless cultural connections that unite people beyond borders.