Recognised as one of the most significant religious events for Buddhists, the festival draws millions of devotees from across the country and around the world.
The two-day 49th Kathin Chibar Dan festival has begun at Rajban Bihar in Rangamati with vibrant celebrations. The festival was inaugurated on Thursday afternoon through the opening of the Bain Hall and the observance of the Panchasheel.
Bihar Abbot Shrimad Pragyalankar Mahasthavir, resident monks, and devotees attended the event. Recognised as one of the most significant religious events for Buddhists, the festival draws millions of devotees from across the country and around the world.
In Buddhism, the donation of a Kathin Chibar—a brilliantly woven ceremonial robe—is considered the highest form of almsgiving. The robe must be woven within 24 hours, from turning cotton into thread to dyeing, weaving, and stitching, before it is offered to the monks.
The festival is named after this extremely backbreaking process. On the inaugural day, 200 Bain Halls were prepared within Bihar, with over 800 local men and women engaged in the weaving process.
Manjulika Chakma, a recipient of the Begum Rokeya Award, ceremonially opened the charkha at Bain Hall. Amiya Khisa, general secretary of the Rajban Bihar Devotees’ Council, stated, “The surrounding circumstances did not allow the festival to be conducted last year.
This year, we have a fresh start with revived enthusiasm. We cherish the teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha and wish for world peace. Along with the religious ceremonies, a rural fair has been organised on the Bihar grounds, attracting prayers, offerings, and cultural performances throughout the day.
Rangamati Additional Superintendent of Police Jahedul Islam told reporters that additional security measures, including three-tier policing and intelligence monitoring, had been implemented to ensure the devotees’ safety and to allow them to participate freely.