Prabarana Purnima, the second largest religious festival for Buddhists, is celebrated today. Buddhists mark the end of the three-month Vassa (rains retreat) with Prabarana Purnima. The Buddhist community believes that observing this Purnima absolves sins for both monks and laypeople.
Various rituals such as Buddha Puja, Sanghadana, Pindadana, Ashtaparishkaara Dana, Panchasheel prayer, Sila acceptance, lamp worship, and lantern hanging are performed on this day. The Kathina Chivara Dana festival begins the day after Prabarana Purnima in various monasteries.
Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus extended his heartfelt greetings to all Buddhists in Bangladesh and around the world, emphasizing the importance of Buddha's teachings in establishing global peace. According to Bhikkhu Sunandapriyo, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation, Buddhists observe a three-month fast from Ashadha Purnima to Ashwin Purnima, known as Vassa. This period ends today with the celebration of Prabarana Purnima.
The Buddhist Federation will celebrate Prabarana Purnima at the International Buddhist Vihara in Merul Badda, Dhaka. According to the Federation's schedule, national and religious flags will be hoisted at 6:30 AM, followed by the monks' breakfast at 7:10 AM, Sila acceptance and Buddha Puja at 9:30 AM, Pindadana at 11:00 AM, a discussion session at 4:25 PM, and a lantern festival with illumination at 6:30 PM.
