The annual Sadhu Antonir Porbo is being celebrated on Friday in Panjora village, Kaliganj, Gazipur district. This event, held every year, is a significant expression of reverence and devotion towards saints within the Catholic Church. Thousands of Christians from both within and outside the country will participate in the festivities. Additionally, followers of other faiths also join the celebration.
While prayers are offered to Sadhu Antoni for various reasons, there is a particular tradition of praying to him for the recovery of lost items. People of different faiths make vows to Sadhu Antoni for various purposes, and many have reported receiving blessings. They come to the event with offerings or animals as part of their vows.
The origin of Sadhu Antonir Porbo in Panjora is traced back to the 18th century when a farmer discovered a statue in a thicket. He informed the local parish priest, who brought the statue to the church. However, the statue kept returning to the thicket, leading to the construction of a grotto there. Devotees began visiting to pray, and many reported receiving answers to their prayers, attracting more visitors from far and wide.
Sadhu Antoni was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195. He later became a priest with a dream of preaching among Muslims in Morocco and becoming a martyr. However, he fell ill on his way to Morocco and had to return. His ship, caught in a storm, landed in Sicily. He continued teaching theology in Italy and France. He died on June 13, 1231, while traveling to Padua, where his tomb is located. June 13 is a special feast day there. In Bangladesh, considering the June rains, this feast is celebrated on the first Friday of February.
