Rajban Vihara (রাজবন বিহার)

Rajban Vihara is the leading Buddhist monastery of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, in Rangamati town, south-eastern Bangladesh, and the spiritual centre for the Chakma community. Built up from the 1970s around the monk Bana Bhante, it suits visitors interested in hill Buddhism, especially during the yearly robe-weaving festival.

Who was Bana Bhante?

Sadhanananda Mahasthavir (1920 to 2012), known as Bana Bhante, the forest monk, shaped the monastery. Most sources date its rise to 1974, when he led a robe-offering ceremony here, though other accounts give dates from 1970 to 1976. Under him it became the best-known Buddhist centre in the Hill Tracts.

The 24-hour robe-weaving ceremony

Kathin Chibar Dan is the robe-offering ceremony held each year at the end of the Buddhist rains retreat. Within about 24 hours, hundreds of women spin cotton from hill farms into thread, weave it and sew a robe for the monks. The custom traces back to Bishakha, a lay follower in the Buddha's time. The Chakma Circle chief takes a leading part, and the 2025 festival was the 49th held at Rajban.

Teaching and gatherings outside the festival

Outside the festival, the vihara hosts religious teaching, other Buddhist holidays and community gatherings. Visitors are welcome outside ceremonies.

Dress, shoes and conduct during ceremonies

Dress modestly, remove shoes in temple areas and respect monks and worshippers, above all during festivals, when crowds are large. Allow about an hour.