After lighting up the sky with lanterns during the Fanush festival, the Buddhist community is now immersing themselves in the joy of the Kalpo Jahaj Bhasha Festival.
On October 18, the beach near Kabita Chattar in Cox’s Bazar became a festive hub as people celebrated the historic Jahaj Bhasha Festival.
The police and army enforced strict security to ensure safety.
The Jahaj Bhasha Festival marked the conclusion of the Probarona Purnima Festival, drawing people from all walks of life, making it a festival of unity and harmony.
This year, two symbolic Jahajs from two Rakhine neighborhoods in Cox’s Bazar were floated.
According to legend, during Buddha’s journey from Rajgriha to Bhaishali, the Nagas—mystical beings with supernatural powers—were determined not to miss the rare opportunity to honor the Buddha.
Five hundred Nagas used their extraordinary abilities to offer tribute by spreading their hoods over Buddha and his disciples.
Witnessing this, deities from heaven and Brahmas from the Brahma realm also joined the homage.
On that day, humans, deities, Brahmas, and Nagas, under a white parasol and religious flags, paid tribute to the Buddha, who accepted the worship before returning to Rajgriha. This sacred moment marks the essence of Probarona Purnima.
To keep this ancient memory alive, the Buddhists of Bangladesh, especially in Ramu, celebrate Probarona by floating symbolic ships in the Bakkhali River, signifying the ship to heaven.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
