Sea of lights: Probarona Purnima turns Chattogram alive as devotees release thousands of sky lanterns
The glowing lanterns represent wisdom and enlightenment, illuminating both the night sky and the hearts of those celebrating, and fostering a sense of community and shared devotion.
As twilight descended over the port city, thousands of Buddhist devotees gathered to celebrate Probarona Purnima, filling the sky with a cascade of vibrant lanterns.
Locally known as Fanus or Akash Pradip, these floating lights marked the joyful conclusion of the three-month seclusion of monks inside their monasteries, a period devoted to self-edification and the atonement of defilements.
The fanus, or sky lanterns, hold deep spiritual significance for Buddhist devotees during Probarona Purnima. Releasing them symbolises the letting go of negativity and sins, while also serving as a meritorious act to gain blessings.
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The glowing lanterns represent wisdom and enlightenment, illuminating both the night sky and the hearts of those celebrating, and fostering a sense of community and shared devotion.
Also referred to as Ashvini Purnima, this is the second-largest festival in the Buddhist calendar.
Today, the celebrations extended beyond the city's monasteries into neighbouring upazilas, blending traditional solemnity with festive cheer.
The most spectacular display unfolded at Nandankanan Monastery, where devotees and lantern enthusiasts crowded the temple grounds with lanterns of every hue. Even before sunset, the jubilant crowd spilled into surrounding streets, transforming the area into a sea of glowing lights.
As colourful lanterns rose into the evening sky, the city shimmered with a magical glow, reflecting both devotion and celebration.
Photographs captured during the evening at Nandankanan Monastery immortalised this luminous festival, showcasing Chattogram at its most vibrant and festive.
