People of Rakhain community have celebrated three day-long Sangrai (Rakhain New Year) maintaining hygiene regulation in Cox’s Bazar district on Saturday. The ceremony started from 15th of April and ended on 17th. Locals along with children celebrated the new year with spraying and pouring water among each other.
Correspondent after visiting Tekpara, Hangar Para, Barmiz School area, Kang Para, Boidyaghonansth Thangro Para saw that the number of booths were reduced due to lockdown in the town. People were not swarming in the booths following social distance. The number of people attended the celebration were far less than the previous year. A total of 6-7 booths were made in the town. Most of the water booths were made in a homely manner to reduce the number of visitors. Almost all the participants wore masks. Almost all the booths were occupied by the children. Rakhain youths sprayed and poured water to each other and let go the grief of the past year. Then the hope for a better year ahead. All prayed for a world free of Covid-19.
Rakhain youths during interview said that this tradition has been celebrated for ages. Usually this celebration is filled with joy and cheering but due to lockdown and Covid-19, this year was different. Number of booths were reduced and no one was allowed without mask. They also hoped to get a better year. Cox’s Bazar City College Principal Kyaw Thein Aung said that the 1383 Rakhain year was ended on April 16. From April 17, the new Rakhain year started. Rakhain people arrange Sangrai ceremony to celebrate the new year. It is a major cultural part of Rakhain Community.
