Rangamati:Prabarana Purnima, the second largest religious festival for Buddhists, was celebrated with enthusiasm at Buddhist monasteries throughout Rangamati district on Sunday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, various religious programs were organized for the occasion, including prayers for the happiness, peace, and universal harmony of all living beings.
The festivities commenced early in the morning at numerous monasteries across the district, marking the end of a three-month period of seclusion for the monks, aimed at self-edification and atonement. A large gathering of devotees, spanning all age groups, was present at the historic Raj Ban Vihara and other monasteries, expressing hopes for a society free from evil, injustice, and communalism.
Significant religious rituals, such as Buddha statue offerings, Sangha Dana, Ashta Pariskara Dana, the offering of a thousand lamps, and Chimitong Puja, were conducted at the Raj Ban Vihara premises. In addition, Buddhist men and women participated in receiving the Panchasila and Astasila.
Raj Ban Vihara's chief monk, Shrimat Pragyalankar Mahathero, emphasized the festival's focus on self-reflection, sacrifice, and seeking forgiveness. He stressed the importance of removing evil thoughts and communal attitudes to promote wisdom and prayed for the welfare and peace of all living beings.
Thousands of devotees displayed enthusiasm and excitement during the celebrations. A local devotee shared, "Prabarana Purnima brings a message of great joy to our lives. We came to the temple today and prayed for world peace. Our wish to the great Buddha is that people of all communities in our hills can live together in peace and harmony."
To ensure safety, the administration implemented stringent security measures, deploying additional police personnel at major monasteries in the district. This allowed devotees to perform their religious rituals without disruption.
The day's celebrations are set to conclude in the afternoon with the release of colorful lanterns into the sky. Following Prabarana Purnima, the month-long religious festival of Kathina Chibar Dana will commence at various Buddhist monasteries in the hill districts.