Dhaka: Buddha Purnima, the most significant religious festival for Buddhists, is being celebrated across the country with traditional enthusiasm and due religious fervour. This festival is recognized as the International Vesak Day by the United Nations since 2000, highlighting its global importance.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Buddha Purnima marks three pivotal events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama-his birth, attainment of supreme enlightenment, and entry into Nirvana. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus extended greetings to the Buddhist community and the nation, emphasizing Bangladesh’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony. He noted that the ideals of Gautam Buddha could significantly contribute to building a peaceful and non-discriminatory Bangladesh.
The day, a public holiday, sees the publication of special articles in national and regional dailies, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television (BTV), and private TV channels broadcast special programmes on the festival’s significance. Celebrations commence with the hoisting of national and religious flags atop monasteries and the chanting of sacred verses from the Tripitaka.
Buddhist devotees across the country are engaging in various activities, including offering gifts like fruits, flowers, and candles to Lord Buddha statues. The day’s highlights include discussion meetings, meditation, blood donation, offerings of pindadana to monks, feeding the destitute, and releasing lighted balloons. A colourful ‘peace procession’ organized by Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha is set to parade city roads, while the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation (BBF) hosts a daylong programme at the International Buddhist Monastery.
Celebrations extend to Buddhist-populated regions such as Chattogram, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachhari, Cox’s Bazar, and Sylhet, further emphasizing the festival’s widespread observance.