Kanak Chanpa Chakma is a renowned artist who loves to depict female figures mingling diverse natural settings and ambience. The tender light of a full moon draws her attention. Both as a human being and an artist she shared her personal feelings of the Holy Buddha Purnima with The Daily Star. Excerpts:  

“This full moon is very important for us. On this day, Lord Buddha was born, attained nirvana thorough meditation and passed away as well. These happen only in the lives of great spiritual persons. The magnanimity of the holy day carries immense significance for us. In our childhood, we would see our parents celebrate the day with deep passion and devotion.”

“At first, I freshen up, pluck flowers and worship the idol of Lord Buddha kept in my house. We generally prefer flowers, fresh water, honey and sweet items as offerings. Later, I go to the temple, offer prayers and seek blessings for the entire humanity and creatures. We offer food to the monks and light candles in the evening.”

Born in Rangamati, Kanak has grown up among a diverse group of people from different cultural and religious backgrounds. “When Muslims celebrated Eid, or there was a Puja -- we never felt like this was something we were not a part of; it was our celebration too,” she remembers. “When we celebrated Buddha Purnima, they all came to our houses, wore new clothes and took part in our festivities. I never felt like they were separate from us,” she tells us.

Flying fanush (paper lanterns) is a typical celebration of Buddha Purnima. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

“I am extremely fond of a night of full moon. Strolling around the idyllic laps of Rangamati, especially on the banks of river Karnaphuli and Kaptai Lake on a moonlit night attract me the most. But when I am in Dhaka, I go to the rooftop and enjoy the night along with my family.”

“Moonbeams have a special appeal to me. I have portrayed many paintings on full moon, including a single and group of indigenous girls bathed in the full moon; girls floating flowers on the river Karnaphuli on a full moon night, the soft moonlight across the woods and many more. In my recent solo exhibition, I had many artworks with connotations of full moon, moonbeam, life and romance,” concludes Kanak.