In Cox’s Bazar’s historic Ramu, this year’s Probarona Purnima festival carried a powerful and unexpected message — “Free Palestine.” The Buddhist festival of peace and reflection transformed into a symbol of global solidarity and compassion.
The people of Ramu still remember the dark night of 2012, when sectarian violence ravaged the area and set several Buddhist monasteries ablaze.
Those wounds, etched not only in structures but in hearts, now find healing in the message of peace that filled Monday’s night sky with lanterns of light.
A decade later, Ramu stood united — spreading a message of humanity and resistance against oppression through the glow of thousands of peace lanterns.
At the Ramu Seema Vihar premises, the colourful Probarona celebration drew thousands of people.
Among the countless lanterns rising into the night, one captured everyone’s attention — it bore the words “Free Palestine.” The message deeply moved all who witnessed it.
For Buddhists, Probarona Purnima marks a day of self-reflection and purification. The principal monk of Ramu Seema Vihar, Bhikkhu Pragyananda, explained that after the three-month monastic retreat (Vassa), monks renew their spiritual vows through repentance and introspection. “It’s a festival of restraint and spiritual cleansing,” he said.
Lanterns are a central part of the celebration—representing the triumph of light over darkness.
As the belief holds, each lantern released carries a prayer for peace and well-being. On this night, people gathered in unity, sending their glowing prayers into the sky — for their own lives, their communities, and the world.
Local journalist Sunil Barua reflected, “Probarona means peace, compassion, and humanity. The message ‘Free Palestine’ is more than a slogan — it’s our expression of solidarity with all oppressed people across the globe.”
Young activist Inzamam Ul Haque added, “The Probarona lantern is usually a bearer of joy, but this year it has become a voice of protest. May its light be a symbol of hope for the suffering people of Palestine and beyond.”
Local youth Arpon Barua echoed the spirit of Buddhist philosophy, saying, “Where hatred rises, lighting a lamp is our response. Tonight, these lanterns are that light.”
Across Cox’s Bazar, temples, including Aggameda Khyang and many others, glowed with decorative lights, oil lamps, and prayers. Crowds thronged the monasteries to join the lantern festival and share in the message of peace.
Security was visibly tight across festival sites, with police, RAB, and Ansar forces ensuring smooth traffic and crowd management.
A senior police officer said, “Probarona Purnima is a festival of peace. We’ve strengthened patrols and monitoring throughout the district to ensure the event remains calm and joyous.”
With spiritual devotion, compassion, and a sky full of lanterns bearing the message “Free Palestine,” this year’s Probarona Purnima in Ramu has stood out as a shining symbol of harmony, humanity, and hope.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
