The second day of Sangraing—the traditional JolKeli or Water Festival of the Rakhine community—is being celebrated with joy and color in Cox’s Bazar. The three-day-long festival, marking the Rakhine New Year, began on April 17, three days after the Bengali New Year, and will continue through April 19.
Rakhine neighborhoods in the town have been beautifully decorated, with young men and women playfully splashing water on each other as a gesture of goodwill and festive cheer. The tradition symbolizes the washing away of the old year’s misfortunes and the welcoming of a prosperous new year.
Tourists visiting Cox’s Bazar have been thronging the Rakhine localities to witness and participate in the vibrant cultural celebration.
As part of the festivities, the event officially commenced on April 16 with a traditional Buddhist cleansing ritual. The district police have ensured heightened security to facilitate smooth and safe celebrations.
As with every year, the Rakhine community joyously bids farewell to the old year and embraces the new Magi San with the spirited observance of Sangrae Pwe, the water festival.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
