Buddha Purnima, the most sacred and largest religious festival of the Buddhists, is being celebrated today across the country with traditional enthusiasm and due religious fervour.
The Buddha Purnima, designated as International Vesak Day in 2000 by the United Nations, commemorates three important events that took place in the life of Buddha on the same day-the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, his attainment of supreme enlightenment, and his entry into Nirvana, the sublime cessation of all longing. This day is exceptionally significant to Buddhists around the world.
On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in separate messages greeted the members of the Buddhist community as well as the countrymen.
In a message on the eve of the festival, President Mohammed Shahabuddin said, "On the occasion of the holy Buddha Purnima, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and great passing away of the Lord Gautama Buddha, I extend my heartfelt greetings and felicitations to the Buddhist community both at home and abroad."
The Head of the State said Gautama Buddha, throughout his life, preached the ideals of non-violence, equality, friendship and compassion for the welfare of mankind, with the ultimate aim of establishing an ideal society based on peace and harmony.
He noted that the five precepts of Buddha provide important guidelines for the spiritual, family and social development of individuals.
President Shahabuddin said, "The great Buddha made tireless efforts to establish a peaceful and harmonious world. 'Non-violence is the supreme religion'-this noble saying remains equally relevant today."
Referring to the current global context, he said that Buddha's philosophy can play a vital role in preventing wars and conflicts rooted in religion, caste and ethnicity, and in promoting global peace.
The President said the government of Bangladesh, enriched by its thousand-year-old cultural heritage, is working tirelessly to build a non-discriminatory society, while the Buddhist community has been making significant contributions to the country's socio-economic development.
He expressed hope that the Buddhist community in Bangladesh would further enrich itself with knowledge, talent and skills by embracing the ideals of Gautama Buddha.
"With the collective efforts of all, we will be able to build an inclusive, happy, prosperous and humane Bangladesh," he added.
In a separate message, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasised equal rights, security, and communal harmony. "Religion belongs to individuals, but the right to security belongs to everyone," he said in the message, underscoring the administration's responsibility to maintain a safe environment for all communities.
The premier said the country remains a "bright example of communal harmony," where people of different faiths have long coexisted with mutual respect and peace.
Highlighting the government's stance, he said ensuring the overall welfare, religious freedom, and constitutional rights of all citizens-regardless of faith-remains a priority.
The Prime Minister noted that various initiatives have already been undertaken to protect religious minorities and uphold their rights, adding that such efforts will continue in the days to come.
He also stressed the importance of unity and tolerance at a time when global conflicts and intolerance pose significant challenges, saying that values such as peace, compassion, and coexistence are essential for social stability.
Reiterating the government's vision, he said Bangladesh will continue striving to be a secure home for people of all faiths and opinions, fostering an environment where diversity is respected and protected.
The President and Prime Minister wished happiness, peace and well-being for all people of the country and the world on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
The day is a public holiday.
On the occasion, national and regional dailies published special articles, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television (BTV), and private TV channels are broadcasting special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
The celebrations usually begin with the hoisting of national and religious flags atop all monasteries across the country and chanting of sacred verses from the Tripitaka at dawn.
Buddhist devotees offer various items, including fruits, flowers, and candles, to statues of Lord Buddha since the morning of the day.
Discussions, meditation, blood donation, offerings of pindadana to monks, feeding the destitute and releasing lighted balloons in the sky are among the highlights of the programmes.
As part of the day's programme, Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha brought out a colourful "peace procession" with the participation of a large number of devotees from Sabujbagh Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery, parading along different city roads and thoroughfares in the morning.
Bangladesh Buddhist Federation (BBF) is organizing a day-long programme, including a discussion, at the International Buddhist Monastery at Merul Badda.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party Secretary General and LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is expected to attend the discussion.
Besides, Buddha Purnima is also being celebrated in Buddhist-populated regions of Chattogram, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachhari, Cox's Bazar, Cumilla, Barguna, Rangpur, and Sylhet.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
