Bangladesh observes Buddha Purnima to celebrate message of peace, non-violence

Besides the main sessions at the Dharmarajik Buddhist Monastery, the Dhaka International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda will also hold day-long events

Bangladesh is celebrating Buddha Purnima, the largest religious festival of the Buddhist community, while commemorating the spirit of non-violence and peace preached by Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

The day kicked off with Buddhists of all ages coming to the Dharmarajik Buddhist Monastery in Sabujbag and the Dhaka International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda to attend prayer sessions, pay their respects to Buddha, and light ceremonial candles.

Besides the main sessions organised at the Dharmarajik Buddhist Monastery, the Dhaka International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda will also hold day-long events.

The devotees and monks circled the large statue of Buddha at the monastery in the morning.

Gautam Buddha, the founder of the religion, is said to have been born on this day about 2,553 years ago.

Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha or 'the awakened' was a wandering ascetic and religious teacher who lived in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BC and founded Buddhism. According to Buddhist legends, he was born to royal parents of the Shakya clan, but renounced his home life to live as a wandering ascetic.

After leading a life of mendicancy, asceticism, and meditation, he attained nirvana at Bodh Gaya in what is now India.

According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha taught a Middle Way between sensual indulgence and severe asceticism, leading to freedom from ignorance, craving, rebirth, and suffering.

‘‘I would like to greet everyone on this occasion as it’s the most important and holiest day for us. Buddha taught us to seek happiness and peace for all living beings. He never sought the wellbeing of only humans or specific animals. He preached peace and welfare and was kind to all living beings," said Ananda Mitra Mahathero, abbot of the Sabujbag monastery.

‘‘We Buddhist monks are praying for the happiness and prosperity for humans and all living beings. May humankind live in peace and the nation remain happy."

After a eulogy sang in praise of Buddha, a rally was brought out from the Sabujbag monastery at 7:30am. The devotees then gathered again at the monastery and took part in the prayers after taking showers and putting on clean clothes.

The morning programmes also included hoisting the national flag, breakfast for the monk association, a recital of religious scripture, a recital from the Tripitak collection of scripture, and special prayers.

The Buddhist devotees prayed for their dead relatives as well. The morning events in Sabujbag monastery ended at 11:30am.

Buddha Purnima is a public holiday in Bangladesh. President Md Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have conveyed their greetings to the Buddhist community through their messages. A reception will be held for the Buddhist community at the Bangabhaban in the evening.