Buddha Purnima, the principal festival of the Buddhist community, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Bengali month of Baishakh. This day marks three significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha: his birth in 623 BCE, his attainment of enlightenment in 588 BCE, and his Mahaparinirvana in 543 BCE. These events are commemorated with various religious and cultural activities.
On Buddha Purnima, Buddhists engage in Buddha Puja, Panchasheel, Ashtasheel, Sutra recitation, collective prayers, and various other religious ceremonies. Social, cultural, and religious events are organized in Buddhist Viharas, where discussions on Buddha's life and religious gatherings take place. Many Viharas host three-day programs centered around this Purnima. As a Buddhist religious festival, this day is a public holiday.
Traditions and Celebrations
The celebrations include Buddha Puja, Panchasheel, Ashtasheel, Sutra recitation, collective prayers, and various other religious ceremonies. Social, cultural, and religious events are organized in Buddhist Viharas, where discussions on Buddha's life and religious gatherings take place. Many Viharas host three-day programs centered around this Purnima.
