Staff Reporter :
Buddha Purnima, the most sacred festival for the Buddhist community, was observed across Bangladesh yesterday with traditional fervour, solemn rituals, and vibrant public events.
Marking the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautam Buddha on the same day, Buddha Purnima is a cornerstone of Buddhist spiritual life and was designated as International Vesak Day by the United Nations in 2000.
In a message on the occasion, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus extended greetings to the Buddhist community of the country.
Emphasising Bangladesh’s long-standing tradition of religious harmony, Yunus said the country remains a peaceful home for people of all faiths. “The teachings of Gautam Buddha-non-violence, compassion, and peace-are essential in building a tolerant and inclusive society,” he said.
The chief adviser added that the interim government is committed to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of religion or background, and expressed hope that the Buddhist community would continue to contribute to a non-discriminatory and just Bangladesh.
The day was observed as a public holiday. Monasteries nationwide began the celebrations by hoisting national and religious flags and chanting sacred verses from the Tripitaka at dawn. Devotees offered flowers, fruits, and candles to Buddha statues throughout the day.
Special programmes were broadcast on Bangladesh Betar, BTV, and private television channels, while newspapers ran feature articles on the significance of the day.Highlights of the day included meditation sessions, blood donation drives, offerings to monks, and charitable acts like feeding the poor. In the evening, lighted balloons were released into the sky in symbolic gestures of peace.
In Dhaka, the Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha led a vibrant peace procession from the Sabujbagh Dharmarajika Monastery, drawing hundreds of devotees. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation hosted discussions at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda.
