Dhaka:Prabarana Purnima, the second largest religious festival for Buddhists, was celebrated in the capital and throughout the country with solemnity and traditional enthusiasm. Known also as Ashwini Purnima, the festival marks the end of a three-month period of seclusion for monks in monasteries, a time dedicated to self-edification and atonement.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the highlight of the festival was the release of candle-lit, colorfully decorated balloons into the autumn sky from Buddhist monasteries. This event serves as a chief attraction of the celebration. The festival was observed not only in monasteries but also in offices of religious organizations and educational institutions through daylong programs.
The festivities commenced with the hoisting of national and religious flags atop all monasteries at dawn, accompanied by chants from the sacred Tripitaka. Celebrations included breaking the fasting of monks, mass prayers, blood donations, Sangadana, discussions, panchashila, asthashila, and pradip puja. In Dhaka, main religious congregations took place at several notable Buddhist sites including Dharmarajik Bouddha Bihar, Kamalapur, and others.
A discussion on "The Importance of Prabarana in the Light of Human Values" was organized by the Bangladesh Buddhist Culture Preaching Association at the Dharmarajik Buddhist Mahavihara. Key speakers at the event included BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid.
In Chattogram, religious congregations were held at multiple temples including Nandankanan Buddhist Temple and others. Special prayers for national peace and prosperity were offered, and security measures were heightened at all Buddhist temples.
In Rangamati, celebrations began early with large gatherings at Raj Ban Vihara and other monasteries. Activities included prayers, Sangha Dana, and Chimitong Puja. Raj Ban Vihara's chief monk emphasized the festival’s themes of self-reflection and forgiveness, while a local devotee shared hopes for communal harmony.
The festival concluded with a display of colorful lanterns, and the following day marked the start of the month-long Kathina Chibar Dana festival. Special programs related to Prabarana Purnima were broadcast on Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, and featured in various publications.