Prabarana Purnima, one of the major religious festivals for Buddhists, is being celebrated with religious fervor across Bangladesh. The festival marks the end of the three-month rainy season retreat for Buddhist monks. Various rituals such as Buddha Puja, Sanghadana, Pindadana, Ashtaparishkaara Dana, Sila Grahana, lamp worship, and flying lanterns are being observed by the Buddhist community.
The Secretary of the Bangladesh Buddhist Sangha Council, Bikiraan Prasad Barua, highlighted the significance of the Panchashila prayer during Prabarana Purnima. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles of non-violence, honesty, respect for all beings, truthfulness, and abstaining from intoxicants.
Prabarana Purnima is observed in every monastery, with people participating in the festivities, offering donations, and feeding the needy. The festival is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Pavarana,' meaning the fulfillment of aspirations and the completion of education or meditation.
The Bangladesh Buddhist Federation organized various events at the Merul Baddar International Buddhist Monastery in the capital, including Buddha Puja, Sila Grahana, Ashtaparishkaara Dana, readings from the sacred Tripitaka, a discussion on the significance of Prabarana Purnima and world peace, lamp worship, lantern flying, and a collective prayer for the progress and peace of the country.
President Mohammed Abdul Hamid called upon Buddhist leaders to play their due role in building a prosperous and peaceful Bangladesh. He made this call during a courtesy meeting with Buddhist leaders at Bangabhaban on the occasion of Prabarana Purnima and Kathina Chibar Dan.
