Dhaka:Buddhists are set to celebrate their second-largest religious festival, Prabarana Purnima, in the capital and across the country tomorrow with solemnity and traditional enthusiasm. The festival, also known as Ashwini Purnima, marks the conclusion of a three-month-long seclusion period for monks, during which they focus on self-edification and atonement.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the festival follows a month-long sermon preaching by Buddhist monks aimed at promoting the welfare of all beings and humankind. This period culminates in a yellow robes offering ceremony that begins the day after the Purnima. A legend associated with the festival recounts how Buddha clipped strands of his hair, which ascended rather than fell, signifying his attainment of supreme wisdom and enlightenment.
To commemorate this legendary event, Buddhists will release candle-lit air balloons made of colored paper, known as fanush, into the evening sky, serving as the festival's main attraction. Celebrations will occur in all monasteries, religious organization offices, and educational institutions, featuring day-long programs.
The day's activities will begin with the hoisting of national and religious flags atop all monasteries at dawn, accompanied by chanting from the sacred Tripitaka. Other highlights include breaking the monks' fasting, mass prayers, blood donation, Sangadana, discussions, panchashila, asthashila, and pradip puja.
In Dhaka, major religious congregations are planned at various locations, including Dharmarajik Bouddha Bihar in Kamalapur, the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda, and several others throughout the city. In Chattogram, gatherings will take place at temples such as Nandankanan Buddhist Temple and Purnachar International Buddhists Monastery.
Special prayers will be conducted in all monasteries, seeking peace and prosperity for the nation and global harmony. To ensure a smooth celebration, law enforcement agencies have been deployed around all temples in the city and districts.