Chattagram correspondent 

Publication Date: 30 October 2026 

The sacred and highly revered Buddhist religious festival, the Kathina Civara Dana Festival, along with a reception ceremony, was held with due religious solemnity, enthusiasm and festivity at the premises of Syedbari Dharmachakra Buddhist Monastery, one of the oldest and most prominent religious institutions in Rangunia Upazila of Chattogram.

The day-long celebrations began early Thursday (October 29) with the recitation of prayers in honour of the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha), Buddha Puja, the observance of the Five Precepts and collective prayers for world peace.

The event was presided over by Venerable Dharmasena Mahasthavir, Deputy Sangharaja of the Bangladesh Sangharaja Bhikkhu Mahasabha. Humam Quader Chowdhury, Member of Parliament for Rangunia, delivered his address as the chief guest virtually.

The supreme religious leader of the Buddhist community in Bangladesh, His Holiness Sangharaja Dharmapriya Mahasthavir, attended the programme. Venerable Dr. S. Lokajit Bhikkhu, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Sangharaja Bhikkhu Mahasabha, was present as the distinguished chief religious preacher at the reception ceremony. The event was inaugurated by Venerable Nandasri Sthavir, MA, Principal of Rangunia Upazila Central Syedbari Dharmachakra Buddhist Monastery.

The programme was conducted by Sujit Talukdar and Soukat Talukdar. Special guests included Mahibul Kabir Tamal, Personal Secretary to MP Humam Quader Chowdhury; former Acting President of Chattogram North District Chhatra Dal, VP Ansar Uddin; former Vice-President Farukul Islam; and Babul Barua, President of Rangunia Upazila Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council.

Among the other distinguished religious dignitaries and guests were Venerable Sangharaja Mahasthavir, Venerable Dipankar Mahasthavir, Venerable Dipananda Sthavir, Venerable Satyananda Sthavir, Venerable Dharmabodhi Sthavir, religious preacher Dr. Priyananda Mahasthavir, Venerable Uttamananda Sthavir and Venerable Swarupananda Sthavir.

Also present were Nandasri Bhikkhu, President of the Welfare Committee of Rangunia Upazila Central Syedbari Dharmachakra Buddhist Monastery; Monilal Talukdar, General Secretary of the committee; and Rakib Talukdar and Arka Talukdar, President and General Secretary respectively of the Syedbari branch of the Bangladesh Buddhist Youth Council, among others.

Following the lighting of the auspicious lamps at the monastery, respected and learned Buddhist monks invited from various monasteries delivered religious sermons.

In their valuable teachings, the venerable monks explained that the Kathina Civara Dana is regarded as one of the most meritorious forms of physical and spiritual giving in Buddhism. This sacred act of generosity helps free the human mind from greed, hatred and delusion while fostering non-violence, loving-kindness and compassion.

The speakers urged everyone to put aside hatred and hostility, uphold communal harmony and dedicate themselves to the welfare of the country and humanity.

During the programme, the devotees repeatedly chanted "Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu," creating a spiritually uplifting and serene atmosphere throughout the Syedbari Dharmachakra Buddhist Monastery premises.

To ensure the smooth, orderly and peaceful completion of the event, the Rangunia Model Police Station and local law enforcement agencies took comprehensive security measures.

The festival organising committee expressed its sincere gratitude to the administration for its wholehearted cooperation and to people from all religious communities for their spontaneous participation, which set a remarkable example of communal harmony.

The grand religious festival concluded with special prayers for world peace and prosperity.