The traditional Kalpo Jahaj Bhasa Festival marking the end of Prabarana Purnima brought thousands of people together on Cox’s Bazar beach on Tuesday, with colourful processions, music and the symbolic launching of decorated vessels highlighting the occasion.
The festival was organised by members of the Buddhist community from Kang Para near the town’s Buddhist temple, Rakhaine students and Boro Bazar Rakhaine Ekota Sangha.
On October 27, participants carried three elaborately decorated symbolic vessels in a colourful procession through the town. Thousands of Rakhaine community members, dressed in vibrant traditional clothing, joined the procession, dancing and singing to drums and other instruments.
Crowds gathered along both sides of the main road to watch. After around an hour, the procession reached the Kobita Chattar point on the beach, where thousands of men and women had assembled on the sandy shore. People from other communities also joined the celebrations, turning the event into a gathering across religious and cultural lines.
After religious rituals, they set the symbolic vessels afloat amid the waves. Crafted from bamboo, cane, wood and coloured paper, the intricately decorated structures drew the attention of spectators as they moved with the waves.
Similar celebrations were held in Chaufaldandi, Khurushkul, Harbang, Teknaf and Chakaria, as well as in Cox’s Bazar town.
Usen Thoien, also known as Usenmi Babu, president of Cox’s Bazar Rakhaine Ekota Sangha, said the tradition originated around 200 years ago at a river in a place called Murhon Gha in Myanmar, where a ruler named Mongraj Mrajonbran first organised the festival.
He said the event later became established in Cox’s Bazar and has been held every year. This year, members of the Rakhine community also prayed during Prabarana celebrations for a world free from war.
Kyathing Aung, principal of Cox’s Bazar City University College, and former lawmaker Professor Aethin Rakhine explained the religious significance of Prabarana Purnima.
They said Buddhist monks observe the three-month rains retreat from Ashari Purnima to Ashwini Purnima. During this period, Buddhist devotees observe the eight precepts on the new moon, full moon, and eighth lunar day, while monks study, research, and deepen their knowledge of Buddhist teachings.
The final day of the rains retreat is known as Prabarana Purnima. A month-long Kathina robe-offering ceremony will be observed at Buddhist monasteries from the following day.
The annual Kalpo Jahaj Bhasa Festival, rooted in Buddhist religious tradition and Rakhaine heritage, has also become an occasion for people from different communities to celebrate together.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
