‘Free Palestine’ lantern lights up Ramu sky on Probarona Purnima

A message of peace and solidarity -- "Free Palestine" -- lit up the night sky over Ramu in Cox's Bazar during this year's Probarona Purnima, the biggest festival of Bangladesh's Buddhist community.

Written on a paper lantern, the words transformed a traditional symbol of prayer and enlightenment into a call for global compassion.

Once scarred by the 2012 communal violence that destroyed several temples, Ramu glowed with hundreds of lanterns symbolising peace and coexistence. Among them, the one saying "Free Palestine" drew particular attention from the crowd gathered at Seema Bihar yesterday evening.

Thousands joined the festival, watching the lanterns rise into the night sky.

Pragyananda Bhikkhu, chief of Seema Bihar, said Probarona Purnima marks the end of the monks' three-month retreat from the full moon of Asharh to Ashwin. "It is a day of self-reflection and purification -- a reminder to lead a life of restraint, kindness, and truth," he said.

Lanterns are central to the celebration. In Buddhist belief, their light dispels darkness and symbolises peace and enlightenment. Devotees release them together, praying for the well-being of all living beings.

"Probarona is a festival of peace, compassion, and humanity," said local journalist Sunil Barua. "The message 'Free Palestine' reflects that universal call for justice and human dignity."

Activist Injamam Ul Haque said the lantern also carried a message of protest. "We wanted to show our support for the people of Palestine and send them light from our prayers."

Local youth Arpon Barua echoed the thoughts. "Where there is hatred, we must light the lamp of peace. That's what Buddhism teaches, and that's what the lantern symbolises."

Across Cox's Bazar, temples -- including the Aggameda Kyang -- shimmered with candles, lanterns, and prayers as devotees marked the festival with renewed hope for peace and harmony.