Buddha Purnima rally in Chittagong

CHATTOGRAM, May 11, 2025 (BSS) - Members of the Buddhist community celebrated Buddha Purnima- their most sacred festival marking the birth of Lord Buddha in the city as elsewhere in the district today with solemn devotion and enthusiasm.

Reverentially, three most important events for the followers of Buddhism includes commemorating birth of Lord Buddha, enlightenment or 'Nirvana' in Bodha Gaya and 'Parinirvana' in Kushinagara of India. 

As the name itself suggests, Buddha Purnima is observed on a bright full moon in the Vaisakha month, a time especially suited for introspection, charity and puja. 

This day is a thrice blessed day. Gautam Buddha "lived and died in about the fifth century before the Christian era". Buddha means "enlightened one" - someone who is completely free from all faults and mental obstructions.

Besides, decorating the monasteries with colorful Buddhist flags, the morning prayer, colorful peace procession of the monks, worship with large offerings, blood donation and religious discussions are the highlights of the day. 

In addition to prayers, sermons and non-stop recitations of Buddhist scriptures the Buddhists also after bath and clad in white clothes offered incense, flowers, candles and fruits to the statue of Lord Buddha. 

They were spending their entire day listening to discourses on the life and teachings of the Buddha.

The day's programmes herald with hoisting of the national and religious flags atop of all monasteries in the dawn and chanting of the sacred verses from the Tripitaka.

In the city, the colourful peace procession under the auspices of Bangladesh Buddhists Association brought out from city's Nandankanan Buddhist temple. 

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury while speaking at a rally before procession at the premises of Nandankanon Buddhist Temple greeted the members of Buddhist community and conveyed his respect to the Lord Buddha for preaching the ideals of peace and harmony. 

Chattogram city mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain was also present at the function and exchanges pleasantries with the members of Buddhist community.

In the city, main religious congregations was held at Nandankanon Buddhist temple, Katalganj Nabapandit Vihar, Purnachar International Buddhists Monastery at Devpahar, Mughaltooli Shakkyamuni Shoswan Vihar at Agrabad and Sarbajanin Bouddha Vihar at Momin Road. 

To mark the day, local dailies brought out some articles while Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, Chattogram centers aired special programmes highlighting the importance of the festival.

To mark the occasion, a good number of periodicals of the community like Amitabh, Sombodhi, Krishti, Bodhibarta and Arya were published special supplements. 

Besides, special prayers seeking continued peace and progress of the nation as well as global peace also offered in all monasteries.