Rakhine’s centenary traditional (Sangrai) or Jalkeli festival is held at Kuakata in Patuakhali. The festival was held on Thursday (18 April) at 3pm at Kuakata Rakhine Women’s Market Grounds adjacent to Srimangal Buddhist Vihar in Kuakata to welcome the new year.

Earlier on Friday (April 14), the 7-day festival began with a Buddha bath with water mixed with sandalwood. The people of Rakhine community based in the area start this festival by bathing the Buddhist idols in the temple and houses.

Rakhine youth forget their sorrows and usher in the new year with special religious prayers, discussion of Bangabandhu’s biography, interesting cultural programs, dances, friendly showers and other events.

Matubbar of the local Rakhine. Uchachi said, “In this event, Rakhine youths have to buy water mainly from young women. Young women do not have to buy water. They can use water stored here. This is the biggest religious festival of the Rakhine community where young people sprinkle water on each other in love. This is what we enjoy.

According to the Rakhine calendar, the last day of the 1385 Rakhine year is Tuesday (April 16). 1386 Rakhine year started from Wednesday (April 17). Kuakata Rakhine community is celebrating the 7-day ‘Sangrai’ or year-end and welcome festival this year. The festival will conclude on Saturday (April 20) with a three-day Jalkeli festival.

President of Kuakata Sangrayin Celebration Committee Wuchan China told Barta24.com, we organized Jalkeli as the last chapter of Sangrayin to welcome the year 1386 (Rakhine year). We are very happy. Basically, this Jalkeli event was the center of attraction for everyone.

In this religious ceremony of the Rakhines, Wuchan was present as the chief guest under the chairmanship of China, the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md. Rabiul Islam, Mr. Md. was present as a special guest. Anwar Howladar, (Mayor Kuakata Municipality), Abdul Barek Molla (Ex-Mayor and President Kuakata Municipal Awami League) Mr. Motaleb Talukder (General Secretary) Kalapara Upazila Awami League, Mr. Francis Bepari (Regional Director Caritas, Barisal) and local media workers.

Kalapara Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) asked about cooperation. Rabiul Islam said, on the occasion of Sangrai celebration, our district administration and upazila administration have given maximum support to them. Here we have ensured adequate security with the help of Thana Police and Tourist Police. At the same time, we have made arrangements so that tourists from home and abroad can see this program. We wish this traditional program to be more grand and safe.