Reporter Name Religious Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain has emphasized the importance of communal harmony for national progress, stating that no group should be allowed to disrupt the nation’s tradition of love, tolerance and unity.
He made these remarks while addressing the audience as the chief guest at Buddhist “Kalpajahaj” (Fantasy Boat) Festival held in the Bakkhali River at Ramu upazila in Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday.
“We must nurture the legacy of peace and brotherhood that we have inherited and continue to preserve it for the future. Let us all work together to make our country a haven of peace,” he said.
Dr. Khalid Hossain said, “Peace stems from harmony. No country lacking communal harmony can achieve development, stability, or growth in tourism and production. Harmony is essential for national advancement.”
The event, celebrated from noon to evening, showcased the traditional Kalpajahaj Festival, organized by Buddhist community.
Exquisitely crafted fantasy boats, adorned with vibrant decorations and placed across several joined boats, floated along the Bakkhali River, mesmerizing onlookers. These boats traveled from one bank to another, accompanied by joyous cheers from hundreds of spectators.
People from all faiths; alongside Buddhist men and women, joined in the festivities, making the event a vibrant symbol of interfaith harmony.
Organized on the occasion of Sharad Purnima (Probarona Purnima), this centuries-old tradition continues to serve as a celebration of peace and coexistence.
This year, seven fantasy boats participated in the festival under the slogan: “On the Boat of Harmony, Let Lanterns Light the Darkness of Communal Division.”
Participants came from several Buddhist villages including Hazarikul, Uttar Srikul, Dip Srikul, Madhyam Merangloa, Purbo Merangloa and Haitupee of Fatekharpul union and Purbo Razarakul of Razarakul union, according to Ucchas Barua, Joint Convener of the festival organizing committee.
Pragyananda Bhikkhu, President of Cox’s Bazar District Buddhist Protection Council, explained that Kalpajahaj Festival was originally celebrated by the Rakhine and Magh communities until 1956. As their numbers declined, the Barua Buddhists of Ramu took over the tradition. The festival is believed to have originated nearly 200 years ago at Mrauk U in Myanmar, where a man named Mong Raj Mrazongbran first organized it.
He further added that during the time of Lord Buddha, the kingdom of Vaishali experienced a devastating famine and epidemic. The King of Vaishali invited Buddha, who traveled there with 500 Arahant monks via the Ganges River.
After Buddha’s visit, the crisis subsided. The symbolic act of floating boats in celebration of Buddha’s journey has since become a revered tradition, especially on Probarona Purnima.
The fantasy boats were decorated with miniature temples, pagodas, elephants, horses, peacocks, ducks and dragons; made from bamboo, wood, cane and colored paper.
With kirtans, music and traditional instruments like drums and cymbals, the riverside turned into a jubilant ground of celebration.
Prerana Barua Swasti, a college student attending the event, said, “This is a festival of the heart. Though it’s rooted in Buddhist tradition, every year it becomes a platform for communal unity.”
Mithun Barua Botham, Convener of Ramu Central Probarona and Kalpajahaj Festival Celebration Committee, noted, “Probarona is a major Buddhist religious festival celebrated on the Ashwin full moon. It symbolizes confession, purification and a commitment to a disciplined and virtuous life. The boat festival held the day after Probarona signifies our unity and commitment to peace. It is not just a Buddhist celebration, but a festival of harmony for people of all faiths.”
The event was attended by several notable personalities, including Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md. Abdul Mannan; Superintendent of Police Md. Saifuddin Shahin; Professor Dr. Sukomal Barua, Adviser to BNP Chairperson; former MP Lutfor Rahman Kajol and Sathi Uday Kusum Barua, Convenor of Central Committee of Bangladesh Nationalist Buddhist Forum.
