The remote hill region of Ruma upazila in Bandarban district is filled with excitement as the Marma community prepares to celebrate one of its most important religious and cultural festivals; Sangrai Pwe, widely known as Water Festival or Maitree Barshan.
With only a few days remaining, the entire area is immersed in a festive atmosphere. Traditional songs fill the air and people across villages eagerly anticipate the celebration.
Preparations are underway in full force. Families are busy cleaning their homes, making new traditional outfits, and preparing special festive dishes. Young men and women are rehearsing dances and songs, while elders are organizing religious rituals to ensure everything proceeds smoothly.
The most attractive part of the festival is water celebration, where people splash water on one another as a symbol of goodwill and blessings.
Locals believe this ritual washes away the hardships of the past year and welcomes the new year with purity and happiness.
Over the years, Sangrai has evolved into a festival shared by multiple communities across Bandarban. People from different ethnic groups now take part, making it a strong symbol of harmony and coexistence in the hill region.
According to local sources, Water Festival in Ruma will be held from April 15 to April 18. During this time, activities will include preparing traditional rice cakes at night, offering prayers and performing ceremonial Buddha bathing in temples to welcome the new year.
In different areas, bamboo structures and decorative boats are being built for the celebration. Colorful processions, traditional dances and cultural programs are also being organized.
Local markets are experiencing increased activity, with high demand for handmade jewelry, traditional garments and handicrafts.
Buddhist monasteries are being cleaned and young people are gathering along the Sangu River to take part in ritual cloth washing as part of the celebrations.
Residents such as Numong Sing Marma said that preparations have been ongoing for several days, with hopes of celebrating the festival in a grand way this year.
Community leaders confirmed that people from various ethnic groups; including Mro, Khumi, Chakma and Tripura, will participate, strengthening bonds of unity.
Local representatives added that events such as water games, concerts, traditional sports and food festivals will be held along the sandy banks of the Sangu River.
As the festival approaches, every part of Ruma is being filled with color and joy. For the Buddhist communities in these remote hills, Sangrai is more than a celebration; it is a powerful expression of renewal, unity and cultural identity.
UM/SH
