Dhaka: The Buddhist community is set to celebrate the Madhu Purnima festival tomorrow, a major religious event observed with devotion and enthusiasm throughout the country. The festival, also known as the Honey Full Moon Festival or Honey-offering Festival, will be celebrated in regions including Dhaka, Chattogram, and the three hill districts, coinciding with the full moon in September.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Madhu Purnima is celebrated in the Bangla month of Bhadra in honor of the service provided by the animals of the Parilyeyo forest in India to Buddha. Legend tells of a monkey and an elephant named Parileyyaka who fed Buddha during his time in the forest, with the elephant bringing fruit and the monkey offering a honeycomb. The monkey’s joy upon having his gift accepted led to a tragic accident, but his generous act resulted in immediate rebirth in Tavatimsa.
The day’s events will begin with the hoisting of national and religious flags atop all monasteries, followed by the chanting o
f sacred verses from the Tripitaka. The schedule includes breaking the fast by monks, discussion meetings, honey offerings, blood donation drives, and evening illuminations at all monasteries.
In Dhaka, main religious congregations are planned at Kamalapur Dharmarjik Bouddha Bihar, the International Buddhist Monastery at Badda, Ashuliya Bidorshan Bhabona Kendra in Savar, Adibashi Buddhist Temple in Mirpur, and other temples across the capital. Meanwhile, Chattogram will host primary congregations at Nandankanon Buddhist Temple, Katalganj Navapandit Bihar, Purnachar International Buddhist Monastery at Devpahar, Mughaltuli Saikkymuni Shoshan Vihar, Agrabad, and Chandgaon Biswamoitri Vihar.
Special prayers will be offered in all monasteries, seeking continued peace and progress for the nation as well as global harmony.