DHAKA, May 22, 2024 (BSS) - Buddha Purnima, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhists, was celebrated today across the country with due religious fervor and zeal.

Like elsewhere in the world, the Buddhists in Bangladesh, chalked out different programmes, including colorful 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.

On the occasion of the Buddha Purnima, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages, greeting the members of the Buddhists as well as the countrymen.

Leaders of different political and socio-cultural organisations also greeted the Buddhists on the occasion.

The celebrations usually herald with lighting of lamps and hoisting of the national and religious flags atop all monasteries and chanting of sacred verses from Tripitaka.

Marking the day, Bangladesh Buddhist Federation arranged daylong programmes at the International Buddhist Monastery at Merul Badda in the city.

On the occasion, national and regional dailies published different articles while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television (BTV) and private TV channels broadcast special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

The day was a public holiday.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin hosted a reception for the Buddhists community members at Credential Hall of Bangabhaban here today on the occasion of the Buddha Purnima.

Religious Affairs Minister Md Faridul Haque Khan, State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Kujendra Lal Tripura, leaders of the Buddhist community, and secretaries concerned from Bangabhaban were present.

Over 1,000 people, including Buddhist community leaders, ambassadors, high commissioners and heads of different international agencies working in Bangladesh, attended the reception.
 
Chanting of sacred verses of the Tripitaka and Buddhists religious songs were also played through the sound system on the occasion.

A peace procession (Shanti Shova jatra) was organised by the Bangladesh Bouddha Sangskritik Parishad in front of the National Museum here marking the Buddha Purnima.