Kalapara, Oct 18 (V7N) – The night sky over Kalapara was illuminated by colorful lanterns as the Rakhine community celebrated Shuvo Prabarana Purnima, one of the most significant religious festivals for Buddhists. After sunset on Thursday, hundreds of lanterns were flown, blending into the distant blue sky and creating a scene that resembled a celestial fair. Many onlookers marveled at the sight, comparing the falling lanterns to stars descending to the earth.

The festivities concluded with the release of more than fifty vibrant lanterns, lighting up the full moon sky. The joyous Rakhine youths, along with tourists and locals, were filled with excitement as they gazed at the stunning display. According to Buddhist tradition, flying lanterns holds a deep religious significance. It is believed that the practice symbolizes the casting away of personal sins and the pursuit of enlightenment, following the teachings of Gautama Buddha. The lanterns are flown while reciting Buddhist mantras.

Throughout the day, Buddhist Viharas in the region held various religious activities, including Panchsheel, Ashtasheel prayers, Buddha Puja, and discussions on religious teachings. Elderly men and women offered fruits and traditional pithapuli to Buddhist monks, while thousands of Rakhine men and women gathered in local monasteries for the day-long celebrations.

Tennan, a young Rakhine, shared that the flying of lanterns is the highlight of the Prabarana Purnima festival. Various types of lanterns, including garland lanterns, parachute lanterns, star lanterns, five-pointed lanterns, and creeper lanterns, were flown, with each costing between one to one and a half thousand takas. These handcrafted lanterns are made by the Rakhine youth in preparation for the festival.

Uttam Mahathero, the principal of Mistripara Seema Buddhist Vihara, emphasized that Shuvo Prabarana Purnima is one of the most important religious events for Buddhists. The festival is marked by numerous religious activities, and the sky lantern ceremony has become a cherished tradition.

To ensure the safety of the event, Kalapara Upazila Executive Officer Md. Rabiul Islam reported that police and army personnel patrolled the Buddhist monasteries and Rakhine neighborhoods throughout the day.

END/UKH/AJ