2-day Owa Festival of Mog community begins in Tripura
Shantirbazar/Sabroom, Oct 6: In a vibrant display of faith, tradition, and community spirit, the Mahamuni Buddha Temple came alive today with the two-day-long Owa Festival (Often written as Wah Festival), organized by the Mog Yuva Oikya at Santirbazar in South Tripura. Also, the festival was celebrated at Manu Bankul in the same district along with other parts of the State.
While Bengali Community is celebrating Laxmi Puja on the Kojagari Purnima, people of the Mog community are observing Prabarana Purnima today.
The Owa Festival festival, coinciding with Prabarana Purnima – a sacred occasion in the Mog Buddhist calendar – drew devotees and visitors.
At Santirbazar, the celebration commenced with the ceremonial hoisting of the Aakash Bati (sky lantern), performed collectively by devotees following age-old religious customs and rituals. The flickering lanterns ascending into the night sky symbolized the triumph of light over darkness and the spread of peace and goodwill.
The festival was formally inaugurated by Shantirbazar Municipal Council Vice-Chairman Satyabrata Saha, who lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the auspicious beginning. The event was also graced by the presence of Shantirbazar Police Station Sub-Inspector Samir Biswas, local booth president Bapan Mitra, the presiding monk (Bhante) of the Mahamuni Buddha Temple, and several community leaders and devotees.
Speaking at the occasion, the guests lauded the initiative of Mog Yuva Oikya for organizing such a culturally significant and spiritually uplifting festival. They emphasized that such events play a vital role in preserving the community’s heritage while fostering unity and harmony among people.
In his address, Satyabrata Saha urged the youth to stay away from substance abuse and instead channel their energy into constructive pursuits such as sports and cultural activities. “Only the youth can lead society out of the dark grip of addiction and build a healthier, stronger future,” he said, appealing to the younger generation to embrace discipline and social responsibility.
The opening day of the festival featured an array of captivating cultural performances, including traditional music and dance reflecting the rich artistic legacy of the Mog community. The atmosphere at the temple premises was one of joy, devotion, and celebration, as devotees offered prayers and participated in the evening’s programmes with enthusiasm.
On the concluding day of the Festival, a Jatra Pala (folk theatre) highlighting the traditional Mog heritage and cultural identity is scheduled to be staged tomorrow, promising another evening of cultural splendour.
The Owa Festival – celebrated with deep devotion and community participation – has infused the community with a festive spirit, reinforcing the enduring message of faith, peace, and cultural unity among the people.
Today, on the occasion of Maha Owa~Ge Labre, a cultural evening was organized by the Manu Bonkul Youth Association at the premises of the Manu Bonkul Buddha Temple. I was present there and extended my encouragement and best wishes to them.
In a social media post, MLA Mailafru Mog wrote that Maha Owa-Gyoae Labrey was celebrated in Manu Bonkul in Sabroom.
A cultural event was organized by the Manu Bonkul Youth Association at the premises of the Manu Bonkul Buddha Temple. “I was present there and extended my encouragement and best wishes to them”, the MLA said.
A large number of people cutting across the ethnicity, attended the cultural event.
