For peace and prosperity
Kathin Chibar Dan, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), is being observed with due solemnity and fervour.
The month-long event began at Buddhist monasteries in the region on October 14, seeking peace, prosperity and happiness for all. It will conclude on November 13.
As part of the event, Kathin Chibar (robe) was donated to monks around 2pm yesterday at Sadhanpur Lumbini Ban Bihar in Rangamati Sadar upazila.
Hundreds of devotees from all walks of life brought the robes “woven through hard labour” to the monastery. They said every year they observe the event to preserve their tradition and customs.
Monks from different monasteries were present on the occasion. They urged all to leave the path of sin and confrontation, and follow the ideology of Buddha.
In the evening, Buddhists offered Pradeep Puja (lighting of candles) and flew fanush (paper lanterns). Such programmes will be held throughout the month.
Kathin Chibar Dan is an annual religious festival during which people donate different items to monks, including cloth woven in their own looms.
The ritual plays an important role in the Buddhist community -- to be a devoted follower of the religion -- through teaching them unity, solidarity and harmony.
Introduced by Bishakha -- a disciple of Buddha -- around 2,500 years ago, the festival is being celebrated around the world that feature making of cloth (saffron robes) in 24 hours and offering it to disciples of Buddha.
It marks the conclusion of a three-month seclusion of monks who meditate for self-edification and atonement for mankind and is preceded by Probarona Purnima.
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