Rakhine youths celebrate New Year's Eve in Kuakata

The Rakhine Community celebrated the traditional Maha Sangrai Jalkeli festival in Kalapara on Thursday 16 April 2026.

Patuakhali: The traditional Maha Sangrai Jalkeli festival of the Rakhine community has begun in Kuakata to forget the sorrows of the old year and brighten up life with the light of new hope. Rakhine youths have celebrated the three-day festival, while the entire area has become a gathering place with the participation of visitors.

The festival was inaugurated with colorful arrangements at the Rakhine Women's Market adjacent to Sri Mangal Buddhist Bihar in Kuakata on Thursday (April 16) afternoon. Kalapara Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Yasin Sadek was present as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony.

Mahipur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohabbat Khan, Tourist Police Inspector Jayanto, SI Sajal Saha, Kuakata Press Club General Secretary Hossain Amir, Kalapara Press Club Office Secretary Jasim Parvez and local dignitaries were also present at the event.

A joyful atmosphere prevails in Kuakata Rakhine Para surrounding the festival. Rakhine youths from different areas have been gathering since morning to participate in the water festival. Even people from the neighboring Barguna district have come to participate in the festival.

Participants exchanged greetings by pouring water on each other in boats arranged at the festival venue. During this time, the entire area became filled with dancing, singing and joy. Teenagers and girls joined in the water festival and welcomed the new year.

Rakhine girl Mishu said, Sangrai is our biggest festival. We believe that all the sorrows and hardships of the old year are washed away with this water. In the new year, we start a new.

Another young man, Ukhin, said, "Through this water festival, we share love with each other. It is not just a joy, but also a part of our culture and tradition."

Jannati Akhter, a visitor from Barguna district, said, "This festival of the Rakhines is very exceptional. This arrangement of celebrating by sprinkling water has fascinated us."

Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kausar Hamid said, "This Sangrai festival of the Rakhine community is an important part of the tradition of our area. On behalf of the administration, we are in constant contact and providing necessary support." He added that such festivals further strengthen the bond of harmony and culture.

The festival will continue until April 18. Along with the water festival, there will be fascinating cultural programs every day. Various pithapuli have been made in Rakhine families, which has further enriched the tradition of this festival.

This water festival, which has been going on for ages, is not only a tradition of the Rakhine community, but has now become one of the most attractive cultural events in Kuakata. - Gofran Palash