Photo : BSS

RANGAMATI, Oct 6, 2025 (BSS) - Prabarona Purnima, the second-largest religious festival of Buddhist community is being celebrated today at Rajban Vihar and other monasteries, seeking peace and prosperity for the country.

Festivities began this morning with the hoisting of the Buddhist flag, followed by alms offerings to monks, Mangala Sutta recitation, Buddha Puja, Five Precepts prayers, Maha Sangha Dana, oil lamp offerings (Pradip Puja) and sky lantern (fanus) release.

Prajnalankar Mahasthabir the resident head and chief disciple of the Venerable Bhante, also known as Bana Bhante of Rajban Vihar, delivered a religious sermon to devotees.

The religious program was presided over by Nirupa Dewan, Vice-President of the Upasak-Upasika Parishad. 

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Habib Ullah, Superintendent of Police Dr. SM Farhad Hossain and BNP Central Assistant Secretary for Religious Affairs Advocate Dipen Dewan also spoke, among others.

Thousands of devotees gathered at Rajban Vihar, which echoed with chants of "Sadhu Sadhu." 

The day's events will conclude tonight with the lighting of a thousand oil lamps (pradip bati) and fanus release.

Similar programmes are being held at other Buddhist monasteries across the district.

Historically, Prabarona (also known as Pavarana) marks the end of Vassa, the three-month rains retreat observed by Buddhist monks since the time of Gautama Buddha.

The Kathin Chibar Dana festival will begin from today, culminating in the country's largest such event at Rajban Vihar on October 30-31, said Nirupa Dewan, adding that the big event is expected to draw over 100,000 devotees from home and abroad.