Buddha Purnima being observed nationwide today

The Buddhist community in Bangladesh is observing Buddha Purnima on Friday (May 1) with religious devotion and festive arrangements across the country.

Marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha, the day is being celebrated with prayers, candle lighting, religious discussions, processions and special observances at temples and monasteries nationwide.

Devotees gathered at Buddhist viharas in Dhaka and other regions to offer prayers and participate in rituals seeking peace, harmony and welfare for humanity.

Special programmes, including peace processions, early morning prayers from Buddhist scriptures and communal worship, were held in various places, with major observances also taking place in Chattogram, Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachhari, Cox’s Bazar, Cumilla, Barguna, Rangpur and Sylhet.

Messages were issued on the occasion by President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, highlighting the teachings of Buddha.

The President said Buddha devoted his life to establishing a peaceful and harmonious world, adding that the principle of non-violence remains highly relevant in today’s conflict-prone global environment.

The Prime Minister noted that Buddha’s teachings of compassion, tolerance, equality and non-violence continue to serve as a source of inspiration amid rising global tensions and divisions.

The day is also being observed through special media coverage, with newspapers, television channels and Bangladesh Betar broadcasting programmes highlighting the significance of the occasion.

The main observance at Merul Badda International Buddhist Monastery includes a day-long programme and discussion session organized by the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation.