Dhaka: Buddha Purnima, the most sacred religious festival for the Buddhist community, is being observed today throughout Bangladesh with traditional enthusiasm and due religious fervour. The day is marked by various ceremonies and rituals reflecting the deep spiritual significance of the event.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the United Nations declared Buddha Purnima as International Vesak Day in 2000. The day commemorates three key events in the life of Gautama Buddha: the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, his attainment of supreme enlightenment, and his entry into Nirvana. It is a public holiday in Bangladesh and holds profound significance for Buddhists worldwide.
The festival, also known as Ashwini Purnima, signifies the end of the three-month seclusion of monks inside monasteries for self-edification and atonement. It is followed by a month-long preaching of sermons by Buddhist monks for the welfare of all beings and humanity, along with a yellow robes offering ceremony.
Legend has it that Buddha once clipped some strands of hair from his head, proclaiming that if he was destined for supreme wisdom, the hairs would rise upwards, which they did. On this occasion, Buddhists release candle-lit air balloons made of coloured paper, a main attraction of the festival.
Celebrations are taking place in monasteries, religious organisations, and educational institutions through daylong programmes. These began at dawn with the hoisting of national and religious flags, followed by chanting of verses from the sacred Tripitaka. Other activities include monks’ alms-breaking, mass prayers, blood donation, and various religious rituals.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued messages extending greetings to the Buddhist community. The President emphasized the significance of the festival and highlighted the timeless relevance of Buddha’s philosophy for moral, social, and spiritual development. He urged Buddhists to uphold the ideals of Gautama Buddha and contribute to national development.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman highlighted Bangladesh’s tradition of religious harmony and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring religious freedom and the welfare of all citizens. He emphasized the relevance of Buddha’s teachings in promoting peace, tolerance, and compassion in today’s world.