Rabiul Hossain Chowdhury Ripon:
On Wednesday, April 15, the Kaptai Chitmaram Shangrai Water Festival Celebration Committee organized the traditional Shangrai Water Festival-2026 at the premises of Chingmrong Buddhist Vihara Ground. The two-day festival created a festive atmosphere with religious rituals, processions, exchange of greetings, pouring of water of friendship and tribal cultural performances.
The Shangrai Water Festival was inaugurated by Dipen Dewan, MP, Minister of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, as the chief guest at the festival. Under the chairmanship of Uthwai Mong Marma, convener of the traditional Shangrai Water Festival Committee,
Government officials, local dignitaries, public representatives, various political leaders, religious leaders and people from different communities participated in the event. The two-day religious and cultural event began with the hoisting of religious flags and offering of pindas. Then, holy Buddha bathing, religious sermons, and lamp lighting were held. Later, a colorful Sangrai procession circled the premises of Chingramong Buddhist Monastery. After the procession, the Sangrai exchange of greetings, discussion meetings, and the inauguration of the ‘Maitree Jal Barshan’ were held. In the evening, tribal cultural programs, band shows, and acoustic performances enlivened the festival. In his speech as the chief guest, Minister Dipen Dewan said that Sangrai is not just a festival, it is a symbol of the tradition, culture, and harmony of the tribal people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Through this water festival, people wash away the old dirt and welcome the new year. The government is committed to preserving the tradition and culture of the hill region and such festivals further strengthen social bonds and mutual goodwill. People of all ages spontaneously participated in the two-day event, reveling in joy and excitement. The festival ended with a message of peace, harmony, and tradition.
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