Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha celebrates Ashadi Purnima in Dhaka

The Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), celebrated Ashadi Purnima on Thursday (July 10) at the Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery in Dhaka, honouring one of the most sacred days in the Buddhist calendar.

Ashadi Purnima marks the day when Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, initiating the Dhammachakkapavattana or the "Turning of the Wheel of Dharma." It also signifies the beginning of Varsha Vassa, the traditional monastic retreat during the rainy season.

Addressing the gathering, Most Venerable Buddhapriya Mahathero, president of the Sangha, spoke on the spiritual significance of the day and called for reflection on the core teachings of the Buddha—peace, mindfulness, and compassion.

Indian High Commissioner Shri Pranay Verma, attending as a special guest, highlighted the shared Buddhist heritage between India and Bangladesh, with India being the land of the Buddha's enlightenment, and Bangladesh home to great Buddhist scholars like Lord Atisha. He reaffirmed India's commitment to promoting Buddhist values globally and strengthening cultural and spiritual ties through initiatives such as the Buddhist Circuit, which connects sacred sites across South Asia.

The event drew a wide range of participants, including monks, diplomats, youth leaders, artists, academics, and members of the Buddhist community.

The celebration began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by chanting from the Tripitaka, led by Venerable Anandamitra Mahathero, invoking peace and spiritual reflection.

A short documentary, "The Way of Buddha," was screened, offering a visual exploration of the Buddha’s life and teachings. The evening concluded with a powerful dance performance titled "Buddha – The Enlightened One" by acclaimed classical dancer and ICCR alumnus Anisul Islam Hero, whose choreography vividly portrayed the Buddha's path to enlightenment. The performance was widely praised for its artistic depth and cultural resonance.