Buddha Purnima, the most sacred religious festival of the Buddhist community, will be observed on Friday across the country with due religious fervour and traditional enthusiasm.
Recognised by the United Nations as International Vesak Day since 2000, the occasion commemorates three significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha -- his birth, attainment of enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana.
The day is a public holiday in Bangladesh and holds deep spiritual significance for Buddhists worldwide.
It is also associated with the end of the three-month monastic retreat, followed by a month-long period of religious sermons and robe-offering ceremonies.
To mark the day, monasteries, religious institutions and educational establishments will organise daylong programs.
Observances will begin at dawn with the hoisting of national and religious flags, followed by chanting from the Tripitaka.
Other activities include alms-giving, mass prayers, discussions, Sangadana, Panchashila, Asthashila, Pradip Puja and voluntary blood donation.
In the evening, devotees will release candle-lit paper balloons, or fanush, into the sky -- one of the key attractions of the celebration.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have issued separate messages greeting the Buddhist community at home and abroad.
In his message, the president highlighted the enduring relevance of Buddha’s teachings of non-violence, equality, compassion and harmony, noting their importance in promoting peace in today’s conflict-ridden world.
The prime minister described Bangladesh as a model of communal harmony and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring religious freedom and inclusivity.
Both leaders expressed hope that Buddha Purnima would bring peace, prosperity and well-being to all.
