A group of 15 Buddhist monastic organisations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh have for the first time decided not to celebrate the traditional Kathin Civar Dan (Kathina robe offering ceremony), a major Buddhist festival, this year due to civil security concerns. The month-long ceremony, which was scheduled to take place at various Buddhist temples, was scheduled to begin on October 18.
The announcement was made at a press conference on October 6 at Maitri Buddhist Temple in Rangamati district. The monks cited the deteriorating security situation in the CHT as the main reason.* Rangamati Rajban Vihar, the largest Buddhist monastery in the CHT, expressed support for the decision.
The Kathina Robe Offering Festival is an important Buddhist event that takes place at the end of the three-month monastic retreat during the rains, which culminates in the Pavarana ceremony. This traditional occasion, rooted in an ancient Buddhist custom, is found primarily in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Today, Kathina is a major annual celebration during which Buddhists gather to celebrate by offering gifts such as robes and alms to the monks.
Parbatya Bhikkhu Sangha president Ven. Shraddhalankar Mahathera said in a written statement that the festival would not be held at any temple in the area due to the current situation of unrest and uncertainty.
"In these circumstances, we are compelled to take a unanimous decision not to observe (the) Kathin Civar Dan programme this year," Ven. Shraddhalankar said.new age)
Ven. Shraddhalankar reported that between September 18-20 and October 1, hundreds of shops belonging to indigenous communities were vandalized, looted and set on fire in Khagrachari and Rangamati districts. He added that Bengali settlers also targeted Buddhist temples, vandalizing Buddha statues and looting donation boxes. Four indigenous people were killed in these incidents and many others were injured.
“We could not help but feel very insecure after targeted attacks were carried out on religious houses and temples of ethnic minorities while Article 144 was in force,” said Ven. Prajna Jyoti Bhikkhu, a monk speaking at the press conference. (UCA News)
The violence began in Khagrachari district on September 18, following the killing of Muslim youth Mamun, who was suspected of stealing a motorcycle. However, locals claimed that they were not involved in the killing. The violence later spread to Rangamati district.
The monks further alleged that law enforcement was involved in the violence at the CHT, both directly and indirectly. They said that no prosecutions had been initiated following the attacks, despite the formation of official investigation committees.
Concerned by the monks' decision, Rangamati district deputy commissioner Mosharraf Hossain Khan called a meeting on October 7, urging them to reconsider their decision, saying that the law and order situation in the CHT had returned to normal. However, the monks remained determined to stop the festival.
* Indigenous communities in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts flee communal violence (BDG)
See more
The Buddhist bhikkhu sangha announces the boycott of “kothin chibor dan” (Prothom ALo)
Security Concern: Buddhists will not observe major religious events at CHT (The star of the day)
Monks Say They Will Not Observe Kathin Chibordan at CHT Due to Insecurity (new age)
Bangladeshi Buddhist monks avoid festival in restive hills (UCA News)
Related news reports from BDG
Ramu attacks: A decade later, Bangladeshi Buddhists still hope for justice
Bangladeshi archaeologists unearth ancient Buddhist Pandit Vihar University
Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council seeks greater representation in Bangladesh
Engaged Buddhism: Bangladeshi monks offer generosity to needy Muslims at Iftarto during Ramadan
U.S. Department of State Honors Bangladeshi Social Activist Rani Yan Yan with 2023 Global Anti-Racism Champions Award
BDG Related Feature Reports
Sons of Faith: The Unique Buddhist Practices of the Luri Community in Bangladesh
In the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha: cooperation and friendship between Burma and Bangladesh
From Bangladesh to Korea: Struggles and Successes on the Path of Female Monasticism
The article Indigenous Buddhists of Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts cancel Kathina robe offering festival following communal violence appeared first on Buddhadoor Global.