Dhaka: Buddha Purnima, the most sacred and largest religious festival of the Buddhists, was celebrated today across the country with traditional enthusiasm and due religious fervour. The day, designated by the United Nations as the International Vesak Day in 2000, commemorates three key events in the life of Buddha: the birth of Siddharta Gautama, his attainment of supreme enlightenment, and his entry into Nirvana.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, in a message, greeted the people of the Buddhist community as well as the countrymen. He emphasized that Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, where people of all faiths, irrespective of race, religion, and caste, have been living together for thousands of years. Prof Yunus further highlighted his government’s commitment to ensuring development and equal rights for all people regardless of race, religion, caste, and group.
On this occasion, national and regional dailies published special articles, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private TV channels broadcasted special programs highlighting the importance of the day. Celebrations began with the hoisting of national and religious flags at monasteries and the chanting of sacred verses from the Tripitaka at dawn. Devotees offered fruits, flowers, and candles to statues of Lord Buddha throughout the day.
The day featured discussion meetings, meditation, blood donation, offerings of pindadana to monks, feeding the destitute, and the release of lighted balloons in the evening. The Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha organized a colorful ‘peace procession’ from Sabujbagh Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery, parading through city roads. The Bangladesh Buddhist Federation held a daylong program, including a discussion at the International Buddhist Monastery at Merul Badda.
Buddha Purnima was also celebrated in Buddhist-populated regions such as Chattogram, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachhari, Cox’s Bazar, and Sylhet. The chief adviser expressed hope that the Buddhist community would play an effective role in transforming Bangladesh into a non-discriminatory country by cherishing the doctrines and ideals of Gautam Buddha.