Dhaka: Buddha Purnima, the most sacred and largest religious festival of the Buddhists, was celebrated today across the country with enthusiasm and due religious fervor. Marking the sacred day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in separate messages greeted the members of the Buddhist community as well as the countrymen.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, President Mohammed Shahabuddin, in a message on the eve of the festival, extended his greetings and felicitations to the Buddhist community both at home and abroad, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and great passing away of Lord Gautama Buddha. The President highlighted Buddha’s teachings of non-violence, equality, friendship, and compassion, aimed at establishing an ideal society based on peace and harmony.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized equal rights, security, and communal harmony in his greeting note. He stated, “Religion belongs to individuals, but the right to security belongs to everyone,” emphasizing that the country is a “bright example of communal harmony,” where people of different faiths coexist with mutual respect and peace.
To mark the day, national and regional dailies published special articles, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television (BTV), and private TV channels broadcast special programs highlighting the significance of the day. The celebrations began with the hoisting of national and religious flags atop all monasteries across the country and chanting of sacred verses from the Tripitaka at dawn. Devotees offered various items to statues of Lord Buddha since the morning.
Key celebration events included discussions, meditation, blood donation, offerings of pindadan to monks, feeding the destitute, and releasing candled-balloons in the sky. The Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha and Bangladesh Buddhist Federation (BBF) organized peace processions and discussions.
In regions with higher Buddhist populations such as Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban, the celebrations had unique significance. In Khagrachhari, day-long religious rituals were observed across Buddhist monasteries, with devotees participating in Buddha puja, Sangha dana, and other ceremonies, praying for peace and prosperity. A colorful peace procession concluded at Janabal Buddhist Monastery with widespread participation.
In Rangamati, the festival featured large processions from Maitri Vihara and Zilla Parishad premises, with Buddhist devotees engaging in rituals like Panchashil, Ashtashil, and charitable activities. Other regions like Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Cumilla, Barguna, Rangpur, and Sylhet also observed the day accordingly.
Buddha Purnima, designated as International Vesak Day in 2000 by the United Nations, commemorates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, his attainment of supreme enlightenment, and his entry into Nirvana, all occurring on the same day. The day is observed as a public holiday.