Buddha Purnima, the most sacred and largest religious festival for the Buddhist community, is being celebrated across Bangladesh today (on Friday) with traditional enthusiasm and profound religious fervor.

Designated by the United Nations as International Vesak Day in 2000, the occasion commemorates three monumental events in the life of Gautama Buddha: his birth as Siddhartha Gautama, his attainment of supreme enlightenment and his entry into Nirvana.

The day, which is a public holiday in Bangladesh, began with the hoisting of national and religious flags atop monasteries and the dawn chanting of verses from the Tripitaka.

On the eve of the festival, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages greeting the Buddhist community and the nation.

In his message, President Mohammed Shahabuddin stated, "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."

He noted that the Buddha’s life was dedicated to preaching ideals of non-violence, equality, friendship, and compassion to establish a society based on peace.

"The great Buddha made tireless efforts to establish a peaceful and harmonious world. 'Non-violence is the supreme religion'—this noble saying remains equally relevant today," the President remarked.

He emphasized that in the current global context, Buddha’s philosophy is vital in preventing conflicts rooted in religion or ethnicity.

He further noted that the government is working toward a non-discriminatory society and expressed hope that "with the collective efforts of all, we will be able to build an inclusive, happy, prosperous and humane Bangladesh."

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in his message, focused on equal rights and communal harmony, asserting, "Religion belongs to individuals, but the right to security belongs to everyone."

He described Bangladesh as a "bright example of communal harmony" where people of different faiths coexist with mutual respect.

The Premier underscored that ensuring the overall welfare, religious freedom, and constitutional rights of all citizens remains a priority, stating that initiatives to protect religious minorities will continue.

He highlighted that values like peace and compassion are essential for social stability amidst global intolerance, reiterating that the country will remain a "secure home for people of all faiths and opinions."

Both leaders concluded by wishing for the happiness and well-being of the global community.

The day's festivities include devotees offering fruits, flowers, and candles to statues of Lord Buddha, alongside meditation, blood donation drives, and the release of lighted balloons.

A colorful "peace procession" was organized by the Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, starting from the Sabujbagh Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation (BBF) is hosting a day-long program at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda, where BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is expected to attend.

Celebrations are also being held extensively in Buddhist-populated regions including Chattogram, the Hill Tracts (Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari), Cox's Bazar, Cumilla, Barguna, Rangpur and Sylhet.

National dailies have published special articles, while Bangladesh Betar, BTV, and private channels are airing special programming to mark the significance of the day.