Chattogram: Members of the Buddhist community celebrated Buddha Purnima, their most sacred festival marking the birth of Lord Buddha, in the city as well as in other parts of the district with solemn devotion and enthusiasm.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the festival commemorates three significant events for Buddhists: the birth of Lord Buddha, his enlightenment or ‘Nirvana’ in Bodha Gaya, and ‘Parinirvana’ in Kushinagara, India. Buddha Purnima is observed on a bright full moon in the Vaisakha month, a time dedicated to introspection, charity, and puja.
Gautam Buddha, who “lived and died in about the fifth century before the Christian era,” is revered as the “enlightened one,” free from all faults and mental obstructions. The day’s highlights included decorating monasteries with colorful Buddhist flags, morning prayers, peace processions by monks, worship with large offerings, blood donations, and religious discussions.
In addition to prayers, sermons, and non-stop recitations of Buddhist scriptures, Buddhists took ritual baths, wore white clothes, and offered incense, flowers, candles, and fruits to the statue of Lord Buddha. They spent the day listening to discourses on the life and teachings of the Buddha.
The day’s programs began with the hoisting of national and religious flags atop all monasteries at dawn and the chanting of sacred verses from the Tripitaka. In the city, the Bangladesh Buddhists Association organized a colorful peace procession from the Nandankanan Buddhist temple.
BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, speaking at a rally before the procession at Nandankanon Buddhist Temple, greeted the Buddhist community and conveyed his respect to Lord Buddha for promoting ideals of peace and harmony. Chattogram city mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain was also present, exchanging pleasantries with the community members.
Main religious congregations were held at several locations in the city, including Nandankanon Buddhist temple, Katalganj Nabapandit Vihar, Purnachar International Buddhists Monastery at Devpahar, Mughaltooli Shakkyamuni Shoswan Vihar at Agrabad, and Sarbajanin Bouddha Vihar at Momin Road.
Local dailies published articles to mark the day, while Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, Chattogram centers, aired special programs highlighting the festival’s importance. Several community periodicals, including Amitabh, Sombodhi, Krishti, Bodhibarta, and Arya, published special supplements.
Special prayers were offered in all monasteries, seeking continued peace and progress for the nation as well as global peace.