Assam: Buddhist community celebrates Poi-Sangken with traditional water rituals in Tinsukia

The sacred Buddhist festival of Poi-Sangken commenced on Tuesday, April 14 at the Margherita Buddhist Monastery, with devotees participating in traditional rituals marking the beginning of the three-day observance.

Celebrated annually from April 14 to April 16, Poi-Sangken is a traditional water festival observed by Buddhist communities across parts of Northeast India and Southeast Asia. In Tinsukia district, the festival is being organised at the monastery premises with customary religious practices and community participation.

On Tuesday at around 12:40 pm, sacred idols of Lord Buddha were ceremonially brought out from the main prayer hall and placed in a decorated temporary shrine known as the “Kyong Phra.” The ritual marks the formal commencement of the festival.

The head monk of the monastery, Gyanowada Bhikkhu, initiated the proceedings by placing the idols in the shrine and sprinkling holy water on them. Devotees subsequently took part in the ritual by pouring water over the idols, a practice that symbolises purification and reverence.

Poi-Sangken is associated with themes of spiritual cleansing, renewal, and the symbolic washing away of past misfortunes. The water-pouring ritual is considered central to the observance, reflecting the community’s emphasis on purity and well-being.

Speaking on the occasion, Gyanowada Bhikkhu said that special prayers are offered during the festival for peace, prosperity, and the welfare of the broader society, in addition to the Buddhist community.

The celebrations will continue over the next two days with similar rituals and participation from devotees.