File photo

DHAKA, May 01, 2026 (BSS) - Buddha Purnima, the most sacred and largest religious festival of the Buddhists, was celebrated today across the country with enthusiasm and due religious fervor.

Marking the sacred day, 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."

Throughout his life, he 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, President's greeting message reads.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in the greeting note, emphasized equal rights, security and communal harmony. 

"Religion belongs to individuals, but the right to security belongs to everyone," he said.

The country remains a "bright example of communal harmony," where people of different faiths have long coexisted with mutual respect and peace, the premier said.

Marking the day, national and regional dailies published special articles, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television (BTV), and private TV channels broadcast special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

The celebrations of the day begun with the hoisting of national and religious flags atop all monasteries across the country and chanting of sacred verses from the Tripitaka at dawn.

Paying tribute, devotees offered various items to statues of Lord Buddha since the morning of the day.

Key celebration events of the day include discussions, meditation, blood donation, offerings of pindadan to monks, feeding the destitute and releasing candled-balloons in the sky.

On the occasion of the day, Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, Bangladesh Buddhist Federation (BBF) brought out peace processions and hosted discussions. 

However, the celebration of the day hits differently in Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban as the Buddhist-population is comparatively high in the region.

In Khagrachhari, Buddha Purnima was observed with day-long religious rituals across Buddhist monasteries. 

Devotees participated in Buddha puja, Sangha dana, and other ceremonies, praying for peace and prosperity. A colourful peace procession marched through the town, ending at Janabal Buddhist Monastery, with widespread participation.

In Rangamati, the festival was celebrated with equal enthusiasm, featuring large processions from Maitri Vihara and Zilla Parishad premises. 

Buddhist-devotees engaged in rituals like Panchashil, Ashtashil, and charitable activities, marking the significance of Buddha Purnima, which commemorates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing.

Besides, Buddha Purnima was also celebrated in Buddhist-populated regions of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Cumilla, Barguna, Rangpur and Sylhet accordingly.

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. 

The day is a public holiday.