Rajpunnah begins in Khagrachhari

Traditionally, the Mong Raja (king) collects revenue from his subjects and meets Headmen (Mouza chief) and the elite on the occasion. This year the Rajpunnah will continue ten days, sources said.

Raja Palia Pru Chowdhury is the 7th Raja (King) of the Mong Circle.

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The Rajpunnah began at the tastefully decorated Buddah Bihar with recitation from the holy Tripitok and prayers for wellbeing of indigenous people.

About 700 Headmen, Karbaris (village chiefs) and several thousand people from the three hill districts attended the inaugural ceremony.

The festival is being held after 26 years. It was not held so long as Anika Devi, stepdaughter of former king Mong Purue Chaine had field a case, claiming the position. But she lost the case, sources said.

Since the British period, the Chittagong Hill Tracts is divided into three Circles-- Chakma Circle in Rangamati, Bomang Circle in Banderban and Mong Circle in Khagrachhari.

Of the revenue collected, 42 per cent goes to the King, 38 per cent to Headman (Mouza chief) and 20 per cent to the government.