Photo: BSS

RANGAMATI, Oct 31, 2025 (BSS) - The two-day 49th Katin Chibar Dana Utsab of the Buddhist community in the Chittagong Hill Tracts concluded at the Rangamati Rajban Bihar today with the offering of robes, calling upon all to strengthen the bonds of peace and friendship.

Following the three-month Barshabasa (rainy retreat) that ends with Prabarana Purnima, the Katin Chibar Dana Utsab is observed for a month in different monasteries across the region.

At 2 p.m. today, during a grand religious gathering of thousands on the premises of Rajban Bihar, former Rangamati lawmaker Ushatan Talukder offered the specially prepared robe—made within 24 hours following the Visakha tradition—in memory of the late revered spiritual leader Banabhante. The robe was offered to the principal monk of Rajban Bihar, Shrimat Praggyalankar Mahasthavir.

As the robe was offered, devotees chanted “Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu,” filling the surroundings of Rajban Bihar with spiritual fervor. On this occasion, the resident chief monk of Rajban Bihar, Shrimat Praggyalankar Mahasthavir, delivered a religious sermon praying for the peace, happiness, and prosperity of the nation and all humanity.

Among others, Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Habib Ullah, Secretary of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Land Dispute Resolution Commission Krishna Chandra Chakma, BNP’s Central Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary Advocate Dipen Dewan, Vice President of the Rajban Bihar Executive Committee Nirupa Dewan, and General Secretary Amiya Khisa, along with many local and foreign devotees, attended the festival.

Throughout the day-long celebration, various religious rituals such as Panchashil Grahan, Buddha Statue Offering, Sanghadana, Ashtapariskar Dana, Dharma Deshana, collective prayers, Kalpataru Dana, donation for the World Peace Pagoda, and the Thousand Lamps Offering Ceremony were held.

The Katin Chibar Dana Utsab will conclude tonight with the release of sky lanterns (fanus) at Rajban Bihar.

The saffron robes worn by Buddhist monks are called Chibar. According to ancient tradition, the Katin Chibar is made within 24 hours—starting from spinning cotton thread on a wheel, dyeing and drying it, weaving the cloth, and finally offering it to the monks.