What is Prabarana?
Prabarana (প্রবারণা, Pali Pavarana) falls on the full moon of Ashwin and marks the end of the three-month Vassa retreat. Pavarana means "invitation": on this day every monk invites his fellow monks to point out any fault they may have seen or heard — a ceremony of humility, honesty and self-correction.
A night of light
For lay Buddhists it is one of the happiest nights of the year. Viharas are decorated, devotees observe precepts, listen to sermons and offer food to the Sangha. As darkness falls, thousands of candles and lamps are lit, and young monks and devotees release fanush — paper sky lanterns — as offerings of light and wishes for peace.
In Ramu, Cox's Bazar, devotees also float beautifully decorated boats on the Bakkhali river in a much-loved boat-floating celebration.
Please release fanush only in open spaces, away from houses, trees and power lines, and never leave a lit lantern unattended.
The start of the Kathin season
The day after Prabarana begins the month in which Kathin Chibor Dan can be offered. See every ceremony in 2026 on Nandan's Kathin Chibor Dan list.