Buddhists observed Probarona Purnima at monasteries across the country, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts and coastal region, yesterday with due religious fervour.
As part of the rituals, devotees began their rituals at 7am with Panchosheel and Ashthosheel prayers and Buddha Puja.
Later, the elderly men and women of the community offered different fruits and cakes to the Buddhist monks in memory of the Buddha.
They also released colorful lanterns in the evening sky.
Indra Banshi Bhante, the vice principal of Sri Mangal Buddhist Bihar in Kuakata, said: “We have cleaned and decorated 28 Buddha seats around the Probarona Purnima.”
Monglachi Talukder, president of Misripara Seema Buddhist Bihar, said: "It is one of our main festivals. People of all ages enjoy this festival. We are wishing everyone the best in the world.”
The word Probarona originates from the Sanskrit language, and broadly, it means rejecting false and unwholesome actions and embracing truth and wholesome actions. Another name for Probarona Purnima is Ashwini Purnima.
While it is linked to the observance of the monks' "Vassa" (rain retreat), the full moon day holds significance for all followers of the Buddhist faith.
Buddhist monks observe a three-month-long retreat, starting from Ashadha Purnima and ending on Ashwini Purnima. During this time, they reside in monasteries.
As it is natural for misunderstandings to occur among those living together, monks too may have disagreements.
Therefore, at the conclusion of the retreat, on Ashwini Purnima, the monks participate in Probarona, where they seek forgiveness from one another for past mistakes.
