The Buddhist community in the hill district of Bandarban has begun celebrating Prabarana Purnima, one of their most significant religious and social festivals, through Chayang Dana (offering to monks), Dhamma discussions, and collective prayers.
From early Monday morning, Buddhist men and women, youth, and children gathered at temples and monasteries across the district to take part in the rituals and prayers. The entire hill region is now filled with a festive atmosphere as Buddhist devotees prepare for three days of celebration, featuring traditional activities such as sky lantern (fanush) releases, pitha (rice cake) fairs, boat processions, and cultural programs.
The main attraction of the festival — the release of fanush lights — will take place on Monday evening, when people of all faiths and communities join together, transforming Bandarban town into a city of lights and joy. To ensure the festival passes peacefully, the district administration has enforced strict security measures across key areas.
According to Buddhist tradition, Prabarana Purnima (known among the Marma community as Waggyae Pwe) marks the end of a three-month-long Vassavasa, the monastic rains retreat that runs from the full moon of Ashar to Ashwin. Devotees believe that on this auspicious full-moon day, Prince Siddhartha (later Gautama Buddha) was conceived, renounced worldly life, and initiated the Dharmachakra Pravartana (the first sermon), making the day highly sacred to Buddhists worldwide.
Across the hills, communities are preparing colorful floats, paper lanterns, and decorative displays. Youth groups are actively engaged in crafting brightly colored fanush lights and ceremonial boats, while monks and devotees are cleaning and decorating monasteries. Local markets are buzzing with new clothes and festival shopping, especially among the young people.
A group of Marma youths said, “We wait all year for this day. This morning we came to the Khyang (temple), offered food to the monks, lit lamps, and prayed. In the evening, we’ll release sky lanterns together with our friends. We’re very happy and excited to celebrate this year’s Prabarana Purnima.”
To ensure public safety, Bandarban Superintendent of Police Shahidullah Kawchar said that multiple security layers have been deployed: “This is one of the most important religious festivals of the Buddhist community. To help them celebrate peacefully, uniformed and plainclothes police as well as other law enforcement agencies are on duty. We hope the festival will take place in a joyful and safe environment.”
It is mentioned that Waggyae Pwe is considered the festival of life for Marma Buddhists. On this day, devotees express their spiritual wishes by lighting and releasing paper lanterns into the sky, symbolizing the fulfillment of their prayers to Lord Buddha.
The three-day Prabarana festival will conclude on October 7 with the ceremonial Rath (chariot) immersion.
