Dhaka: Buddha Purnima, the most sacred and largest religious festival for Buddhists, is being celebrated today across the country with traditional enthusiasm and religious fervor. This festival, recognized as The International Vesak Day by the United Nations in 2000, commemorates three significant events in the life of Buddha-his birth as Siddharta Gautama, his attainment of supreme enlightenment, and his entry into Nirvana.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus extended his greetings to the Buddhist community and citizens of the country on this auspicious occasion. In his message, he emphasized Bangladesh's status as a land of communal harmony where people of various faiths have coexisted peacefully for millennia. Yunus highlighted the teachings of Gautam Buddha, who advocated for non-violence and peace, and expressed his government's commitment to ensuring development and equal rights for all citizens.
Yunus also noted the active participation of Buddhists, alongside followers of other religions, in the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. He expressed hope that the Buddhist community would contribute to transforming Bangladesh into a non-discriminatory nation by embracing Buddha's teachings. The chief adviser wished success for all Buddha Purnima programs, which include public holidays, special articles in national and regional dailies, and broadcasts on Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television (BTV), and private TV channels.
The day's celebrations began with the hoisting of national and religious flags atop monasteries and the chanting of sacred verses from the Tripitaka at dawn. Devotees are offering gifts such as fruits, flowers, and candles to Buddha statues. Highlights of the programs include discussion meetings, meditation, blood donation, offerings of pindadana, feeding the destitute, and releasing lighted balloons in the evening sky.
Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha is organizing a colorful 'peace procession' from Sabujbagh Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery, with many devotees participating in the parade through city roads. The Bangladesh Buddhist Federation (BBF) is hosting a daylong program including a discussion at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda. The festival is also being celebrated in Buddhist-populated regions such as Chattogram, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachhari, Cox's Bazar, and Sylhet.