Balarami

'Balarami' a sect founded by Balaram who belonged to the sweeper caste. Balaram was born in the village of Malopara in meherpur district. He had died at the age of sixty-five in 1890 at his Meherpur residence, which was converted into an akhda (a resort for devotees). He left behind his wife or seva-dasi (partner in faith) who took care of his akhda and his followers after his death.

As a young man, Balaram worked as a watchman of the Mallick family of Meherpur. When an idol belonging to the Mallicks was stolen along with some gold ornaments, Balaram was blamed for the theft. Balaram was greatly shocked at this and left Meherpur. After years of absence he returned to Meherpur with a few followers and turned his residence into an akhda.

Balaramis do not worship idols, and they recognise no caste distinctions. They are divided into two sub-sects: one group believe in family life; the other group are ascetics and do not marry. Balaramis are often considered to be a branch of Vaisnavites. Balaram composed a number of songs, which are sung by his followers as a part of their faith. Balaramis light candles at the akhda and perform certain rituals. [Anwarul Karim] [Karim, Anwarul Professor of Bangla, Islamic University]