Скачать или смотреть Sangrai: Culture and History of the Marma Community’s Water Festival

“Sangrai” is known as the water festival celebrated by the Marma communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. This fascinating journey takes deep into the colorful history, enchanting myths, and lively celebrations that make Sangrai so special.

With roots tracing back through generations, Sangrai serves as a symbolic marker of the transition into the new agricultural year; originating as a humble observance of the agricultural cycle, Sangrai has undergone significant evolution over the years, shaped by socio-economic changes, religious influences, and the passage of time. What began as a simple gathering to mark the commencement of the planting season has blossomed into a multifaceted extravaganza of rituals, festivities, and communal gatherings.

The Rakhines of Bangladesh and Myanmar also participate in and celebrate the festival and its rituals. This festival is very popular in Bandarban, and the content is produced with this context in mind. On a side note, Southeast Asian countries celebrate this festival under Thingyan, Songkran, and other names.

The Sangrai festival spans several days, each filled with unique activities and rituals.

1st Day (Paingchwe-Ni or Akro Nih):
On this day, young boys and girls wake up early to collect colorful flowers, particularly the Sangrai Paing flower. These flowers are placed beside Lord Buddha and the 'Water Goddess' known as "Khyong Shang-Ma" for blessings. Additionally, community members voluntarily clean monasteries to welcome new changes.

2nd Day (Sangrai/Munglo-Ni or Akyah Ni):
Known as "Akyah Ni," this marks the festival's official beginning. Community members rise early to prepare for almsgiving, known as "Chowayaing," given to Buddhist monks. Later in the day, people gather at nearby rivers or temples to shower Lord Buddha with sandalwood water. This ritual varies by region, with some performing it at temples and others at rivers. In the evening, locals come together to prepare mungsi, a sweet rice dish offered to temples the following morning.

3rd Day (Sangrai Festival and Cultural Activities):
From this day onward, Marma society celebrates with religious and social traditions, including water fights, sports, and cultural festivals. Traditionally, a courtship ritual fosters social unity and potential marital bonds among young men and women. However, traditional stage performances like Pangkhung-aka are gradually fading away.