The Buddhist community across Bangladesh, including Cox’s Bazar, has begun celebrating Probarona Purnima—one of their most significant religious and social festivals—starting today (Sunday).
The joyous spirit of the occasion has spread among devotees as temples and monasteries have been adorned with colorful decorations. The highlight of the celebration, the much-awaited Sky Lantern Festival, will take place on Monday night.
A visit to the Cox’s Bazar Central Mahasingdogri Buddhist Temple and Aggmeda Kyang in the evening revealed that preparations for the festival have already been completed.
To ensure a safe celebration, local authorities have also implemented additional security measures.
Similar festive scenes were reported at Buddhist monasteries in Ramu, Maheshkhali, Ukhiya, Teknaf, and other upazilas of the district.
According to Buddhist belief, more than 2,500 years ago, after attaining enlightenment, Lord Gautama Buddha observed a three-month monastic retreat known as Vassa, from Vesak Purnima to Ashadha Purnima.
At the end of this period, he celebrated Probarona Purnima, which continues to be observed by Buddhist monks as the day marking the conclusion of the monastic rain retreat.
Probarona symbolizes self-purification and the rejection of evil in favor of truth and virtue. The day represents a new beginning in the spiritual journey of the Buddhist faithful.
Following Probarona Purnima, the one-month-long Kathin Chibor Daan festival, another significant Buddhist religious observance involving the offering of new robes to monks, will commence at monasteries nationwide.
The highlight of the celebration comes as devotees release colorful fanus (sky lanterns) into the night sky, illuminating it with a glow of faith and harmony—symbolizing prayers for peace, purity, and universal goodwill.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
