Photo : BSS

PATUAKHALI, April 18, 2025 (BSS) - The three-day-long Maha Sangrai Jalkeli 2025, a vibrant traditional festival of the Rakhine community, began today at the Rakhine Women's Market grounds in Kuakata.

The festival marks the New Year and is celebrated with water games and cultural festivities to symbolically wash away the sorrows and hardships of the past year.

Hundreds of Rakhine community members from 27 villages across Kalapara upazila in Patuakhali and Taltoli upazila in Barguna gathered to celebrate the New Year's Eve and the iconic Water Festival.

Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Rabiul Islam inaugurated the event. Patuakhali Rakhine Buddhist Welfare Association President Mong Talukder presided over the ceremony, while Dr. Fatema Heren, Principal of Government Mozahar Uddin Biswas Degree College, also addressed the gathering.

From early morning, the festival brought a lively and colorful atmosphere to Kuakata's Keranipara Rakhine village and the nearby seashore. 

The Jalkeli, symbolizing farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, took place in the afternoon.

The celebration opened with traditional dance performances by Rakhine women and children.

People from various religious and cultural communities also joined in, creating a festive spirit of unity and joy.