DHAKA: The Buddhist community observed their biggest religious festival Buddha Purnima in a befitting manner and with various religious rituals in the country as elsewhere across the world Thursday.

Buddha Purnima marks three significant events that took place in the life of Lord Buddha--his birth, enlightenment and the great passing away.

Buddha was born on the full-moon day in 563 BC, attained enlightenment and nirvana (passing away) on the same day.

The day was observed through peace processions, prayers and distribution of offerings in the country and elsewhere in the world. It was a public holiday.

Other programmes include prayer meets, sermons on the life of Gautam Buddha, religious discourse, nonstop recitation from the Buddhist scriptures, group meditation, processions and worship of the images of Buddha.

Bangladesh Buddhist Federation staged the main programme at the International Buddha Bihar at Merul Badda. The federation also brought out a peace rally in the morning from the Bihar, with Adviser to the Prime Minister HT Imam accompanying the Buddha devotees.

Bangladesh Bouddha Sangskritik Kendra also brought out a procession at 8:30 am from Shahbagh up to the National Press Club.

Jewel Chakma, a student of Dhaka University and also resident of Rangamati, said he along with his friends went to Sakya Moni Buddha Bihar in the city’s Mirpur area on Thursday morning.

“People thronged the Bihar and other monasteries since morning to offer fruits, flowers and candles in honor of statues of Lord Buddha throughout the day. We are celebrating the day with friends and relatives in the city,” he told banglanews24.com.bd.

He lamented that he missed his hometown where he had big opportunity to enjoy the day with his family and friends.

The news agency’s Rangamati and Bandarban correspondents said thousands of Buddhists gathered at different monasteries to celebrate their biggest religious festival.

BDST: 1300 HRS, May 27, 2010
RT/SMS/MUA