The Rakhine community’s vibrant and time-honoured Monsoon Festival has begun on the shores of Cox’s Bazar. On Friday, from noon until dusk, young men and women from various Rakhine neighbourhoods in the town gathered at Shaibal Point on the beach to celebrate the season in their unique way.
The event featured a colourful array of traditional Rakhine delicacies served under the beach’s iconic casuarina groves. As the afternoon gave way to rain, the crowd joyfully embraced the downpour, marking the highlight of the festival—getting drenched in the rain. This was followed by spirited performances of traditional music and dance, spreading festive cheer along the shore.
Although the festival is deeply rooted in Rakhine heritage, it has gradually evolved into a space for intercultural celebration. Tourists and people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds now also join in, sharing the joy.
According to Ma Tin Tin, a prominent female leader in the Rakhine community, this youth-driven festival has been celebrated for nearly a century and continues for two months every year. “Laughter, songs, and joy fill the beach from Asharhi Purnima to Ashwini Purnima,” she said.
Throughout these two months, the Rakhine community holds weekly gatherings every Friday from noon till dusk at Shaibal Point, turning the beach into a social and cultural hub.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
