Buddha Purnima, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community, was celebrated on Friday, across the country with due religious fervour, and festivity.
Like elsewhere in the world, the Buddhist community in Bangladesh chalked out different programmes, including colourful processions, puja, sanghadan, discussions, and cultural functions, to mark the day.
Lord Buddha was born on this day of full moon in 563 BC, attained enlightenment, and passed away on the same day.
Marking the day, Buddhist devotees offered various gift items, including fruits, flowers and candles, to statues of Lord Buddha throughout the day, reports BSS.
As part of the day’s programme, Bangladesh Bouddho Kristi Prachar Sangha brought out a colourful “peace procession”, participated by a large number of devotees from Sabujbagh Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery, that paraded different city thoroughfares in the morning.
Bangladesh Buddhist Federation (BBF) organized a daylong programme including a discussion meeting at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul, Badda.
Besides, Buddha Purnima was also celebrated in Chattogram, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachhari, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, and other districts.
President M Abdul Hamid, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on Friday, issued separate messages greeting the members of the Buddhist community as well as the countrymen.
Leaders of different political, and socio-cultural organisations also greeted members of Buddhist community on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
On the occasion, newspapers published different articles, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television (BTV), and private TV channels broadcasted special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.