Buddha Purnima being celebrated

Buddha Purnima, the most sacred and largest religious festival of the Buddhist community, is being celebrated today across the country with traditional enthusiasm and due religious fervor.

The United Nations declared Buddha Purnima as International Vesak Day in 2000.

The day commemorates three key events in the life of Gautama Buddha—the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, his attainment of supreme enlightenment, and his entry into Nirvana, the sublime cessation of all longing.

The occasion holds profound significance for Buddhists worldwide.

The day is a public holiday in Bangladesh.

The festival is also known as Ashwini Purnima, marking the conclusion of the three-month-long seclusion of monks inside monasteries for self-edification and atonement of defilements.

It is followed by a month-long preaching of sermons by Buddhist monks for the welfare of all beings and humanity, along with a month-long yellow robe offering ceremony beginning the day after the Purnima.

According to legend, Buddha once clipped some strands of hair from his head and said that if he were destined to attain supreme wisdom and enlightenment, the hairs would not fall but rise upwards—which they ultimately did.

On the occasion, Buddhists release candle-lit air balloons made of colored paper (fanush), which float into the autumn sky in the evening, one of the main attractions of the festival.

The Buddha Purnima is being celebrated in monasteries, offices of religious organisations and educational institutions through daylong programs.

The celebrations began at dawn with the hoisting of national and religious flags at monasteries, followed by chanting of verses from the sacred Tripitaka.

Other programs include monks' alms-breaking, mass prayers, blood donation, Sangadana, discussions, Panchashila, Asthashila, and Pradip Puja.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages on the occasion, extending greetings to the Buddhist community at home and abroad.

In his message, the president said Buddha Purnima marks the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha, making it a deeply sacred and significant religious festival.

He said the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha continue to inspire humanity through the message of non-violence, equality, compassion, and friendship, which are essential for building a peaceful and harmonious society.

Describing Buddha's philosophy as a timeless guide for moral, social, and spiritual development, the president said the principle of "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" (non-violence is the highest virtue) remains highly relevant in today's conflict-ridden world.

Highlighting Bangladesh's tradition of religious harmony, he said people of all faiths in the country have long been practicing their religions freely in a peaceful environment.

Shahabuddin urged Buddhists to uphold the ideals of Gautama Buddha and contribute further to national development through knowledge, skills, and dedication.

In his message, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Buddha Purnima is a sacred festival marking the birth, enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha.

He said Bangladesh is a shining example of communal harmony, where people of all religions have long been celebrating their festivals in an atmosphere of mutual respect, harmony, and peace.

Referring to Buddha's teachings, the prime minister said Gautama Buddha devoted his life to spreading the message of non-violence, equality, compassion, and friendship for the welfare of humanity.

These teachings remain timeless and especially relevant in a world affected by conflict, hatred, and intolerance.

He added that the values of peace, tolerance, compassion, and humanity taught by Buddha can serve as a strong source of inspiration today.

Tarique Rahman reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring religious freedom, constitutional rights, and the welfare of all citizens, aiming to build an inclusive society for people of all faiths and beliefs.