An editorial image of Venerable Tilkananda Mahathera, whose national funeral ceremony will be held in Rangamati from December 18 to 20, 2025.
Rangamati | December 2025 —The Buddhist community of Bangladesh and followers around the world are preparing to bid a final farewell to one of the most revered spiritual leaders of the Parbatya region, the Venerable Tilkananda Mahathera.
The National Funeral Ceremony of the Venerable Tilkananda Mahathera, the Honourable 4th Sangharaja of the Parbatya Bhikkhu Sangha Bangladesh (PBSB), will be observed over three days, 18, 19, and 20 December 2025, according to an official programme notice. The ceremonies will be conducted in accordance with Buddhist monastic customs, maintaining full religious discipline and dignity.
The funeral rites will be held at the Magban Shakyamuni Bauddha Bihar in Baghaichhari, Rangamati Hill District. The programme will begin on Thursday, 18 December, and continue through Friday and Saturday, under the supervision of the Parbatya Bhikkhu Sangha Bangladesh, Barkal, Juraichhari Upazila Branch.
Venerable Tilkananda Mahathera passed away at the age of 97, marking the end of a significant chapter in the spiritual leadership of the Parbatya Bhikkhu Sangha Bangladesh.
Recognised as an Aggamahapandita, he was widely respected as a mentor to generations of monks and a moral authority within the Buddhist community. His leadership was characterised by restraint, ethical clarity, and a lifelong commitment to monastic discipline and education.
In his later years, he served as a resident monk of the Parbatya Bhikkhu Sangha Bangladesh Bhavana Kendra in Vedelchhari, Khagrachhari, where he remained engaged in spiritual practice and guidance. His role was considered particularly important during periods of social and political uncertainty in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where Buddhist institutions faced ongoing challenges.
To allow participation from a wider audience, the funeral observances will be broadcast live via Facebook and YouTube through PBSB Media.
Religious leaders and followers across the Chittagong Hill Tracts have expressed prayers for the Venerable Mahathera’s final liberation and the continuation of his teachings.
Editor’s Note:
This report was prepared with assistance from the Venerable Ginaratna, Assistant Editor for Publicity and Information at the Parbatya Bhikkhu Sangha Bangladesh, Baghaichhari Branch, who provided verified details through official correspondence.
This report was prepared with assistance from the Venerable Ginaratna, Assistant Editor for Publicity and Information at the Parbatya Bhikkhu Sangha Bangladesh, Baghaichhari Branch, who provided verified details through official correspondence.
