Buddha Purnima, a significant religious festival for Buddhists, is being observed today. According to Buddhist tradition, Gautama Buddha was born on this day nearly 2,500 years ago. This full moon day in the month of Baishakh commemorates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and mahaparinirvana.
Buddhists across the country are celebrating the day with various rituals, including Buddha Puja, Sila grahaṇa, Piṇḍadāna, and the morning meal of the Bhikkhu Sangha. The government has declared a public holiday on the occasion.
President Md. Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion. President Sahabuddin emphasized that Gautama Buddha dedicated his life to promoting equality and fraternity to establish a harmonious and peaceful world. Prime Minister Hasina highlighted the importance of following Buddha's teachings of non-violence, equality, fraternity, and compassion to build a peaceful society.
A felicitation ceremony has been organized at Bangabhaban this afternoon, where President Sahabuddin will deliver a speech. The event will be attended by the Minister of Religious Affairs Md. Faridul Haque Khan, the Deputy Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Kujendra Lal Tripura, and over 800 invited members of the Buddhist community.
Various social, political, and cultural organizations have extended their greetings and felicitations to the Buddhist community. Buddhist temples across the country will host Buddha Puja, candle lighting, peace processions, religious discussions, joint prayers, and discussion sessions. The Bangladesh Buddhist Cultural Council will organize a 'National Joint Peace Procession' from the National Museum in Shahbag to the Central Shaheed Minar at 8 AM today.
