Prabarana Purnima: A festival of lights, faith and heritage in the hills

As dusk fell over the hills yesterday, thousands of lamps illuminated the surroundings, while glowing sky lanterns floated above the settlements in tribute to Chulamoni Cetiya.

Devotees worshipped Buddha Upagupta on a chariot modelled on a mythical celestial bird, which was later immersed in the Sangu river.

These scenes marked the celebration of Maha Waggyowai Pwe, also known as Prabarana Purnima, among Buddhist communities in Bandarban and the other two hill districts.

Observed by Marma, Mro, Khyang, Khumi, Chak and other Buddhist communities, the festival combines religious devotion, agricultural traditions and cultural heritage.

Prabarana Purnima marks the end of the three-month Buddhist retreat, known as Vassa, which begins on Ashari Purnima and ends on Ashwina Purnima.

During this period, monks remain in monasteries, practising meditation and studying Buddhist teachings.

The festival symbolises self-purification, restraint and reflection. Devotees visit monasteries to offer prayers, donate food and seek blessings for their families and communities.

It also celebrates the harvest from jhum fields, with families offering rice, maize, vegetables and other seasonal produce at monasteries while paying respects to elderly community members.

A major attraction is the worship of Buddha Upagupta on a decorated chariot.

The ceremony begins with the presiding monk, known as Gurubhante, lighting lamps before the Buddha image. Devotees then offer prayers and pull the chariot through streets and past monasteries before floating it into the Sangu.

Another tradition involves releasing sky lanterns, locally known as phanush, in tribute to Chulamoni Cetiya.

Families also prepare traditional cakes, bringing generations together to celebrate and preserve customs passed down through the years.