Buddha Purnima, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community, will be celebrated across the country on Sunday amid festivities after two years of Covid-induced restrictions. Buddha Purnima marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha. On this day in 563 BC, Buddha was born as Siddhartha Gautama in Kopilabostu at the foothill of the Himalayas. He attained supreme enlightenment at the age of 35 and finally departed into 'nirvana' at the age of 80 in 483 BC. Also read: BTV to air Buddha Purnima special programme 'Jaytu Buddha Sasanang’ President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the Buddhist community on the occasion. President Hamid said, “Buddhist civilization and its culture have been deeply intertwined with the people of Bengal since ancient times. Paharpur and Mainamati Shalban Bihar are its shining examples.” He urged the members of Buddhist community to celebrate Buddha Purnima maintaining health guidelines to prevent future spread of Covid-19. The Prime Minister urged all to work generously to further strengthen the practice and bond of harmony in Bangladesh in future. Also read: Buddha Dhatu Jadi: The sacred tourist spot and its trouble “I hope that by upholding and nurturing the ideals of Gautam Buddha, everyone will play a role in building Bangladesh as a peaceful country,” she said.

Celebrating Buddha Purnima, the main religious festival of the Buddhists, a special program 'Jaytu Buddha Sasanang' will be aired simultaneously on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and BTV World at 8:40 pm on Sunday. Produced by BTV Producer (programme) Sadiqul Islam Neugi ponney, the program will feature religious music, dance and drama. A part of Gautam Buddha's life has been highlighted through a special drama presentation as part of the programme. Also Read: Khagrachhari celebrates 38th anniversary of BTVs Bonophul Theke Lok Lokaloye Reality show ‘Close-Up One’ famed singer Nishita Barua performed religious tracks at the programme, while more than two hundred artistes from the Dharmarajika Lalitkala Academy took part in the musical segments. Recorded in Bangladesh Television's own studio, the programme is planned and written by Dr Sumon Kanti Barua.      

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday accused the government of sowing the seeds of communalism in the country in a planned way. “They (govt) are spreading the poison of communalism and sowing its seeds knowingly. Unfortunately, they have brought the communalism to Bangladesh that emerged in the neighbuoring country (India),” he said. Speaking at a virtual discussion, the BNP leader said the March-26 clashes between police and Hefazat activists took place as communalism spread in Bangladesh. “They’re now arresting people, torturing them and making them disappeared. But the Awami League government is fully responsible for what is happening now in the country due to communalism.” BNP arranged the programme marking the Buddha Purnima, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community. Fakhrul said democracy is disappearing and getting annihilated duet the rise of autocracy, fascism and communalism. “Democracy is getting defeated amid bigotry. It’s being defeated by authoritarianism and fascism. Those in power are killing people, depriving them of their rights and torturing them to perpetuate power. This is happening all over the world. Bangladesh is one of the worst victims of it.” He said the dreams of the people of Bangladesh, who had fought in 1971 to build a non-communal humanitarian state with equality, have broken as a group of people turned  the country into a ‘monstrous state’ by destroying all the systems just to keep themselves in power." The BNP leader said there is no peace in the country now due to the vindictive attitude of the government. “There are no efforts for the welfare of people here since a group of people are amassing wealth by plundering public money.” He urged people to get united to overcome the current situation of the country. "We’ll create a truly enlightened, democratic state with equality by removing darkness created by Awami League. "Let's take this oath today and get united irrespective of caste and religion to protect the county, restore democratic rights and save people defeating the monstrous regime.”

Buddha Purnima, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community, was celebrated in the country on Wednesday without outdoor programmes due to coronavirus outbreak.   Buddha Purnima marks Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. On this day in 563 BC, Buddha was born as Siddhartha Gautama in Kopilabostu at the foothill of the Himalayas.   He attained supreme enlightenment at the age of 35 and finally departed into 'nirvana' at the age of 80 in 483 BC.   President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the Buddhist community on the occasion.   President Hamid called upon the Buddhists to celebrate their religious festival at their respective homes in view of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.   Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Buddha Purnima was celebrated in a different manner this year.    In her message, the Prime Minister said the Buddhist leaders have a significant role in maintaining the communal harmony in the country.   She said the whole world is now in a crisis due to coronavirus outbreak, while the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as a pandemic.   Against the backdrop of the pandemic, Sheikh Hasina also urged the Buddhist community to celebrate their largest religious festival avoiding mass gatherings.

Buddha Purnima, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community, will be celebrated across the country on Wednesday.

The US Embassy in Dhaka including its Consular wing will remain closed on Wednesday in observance of Buddha Purnima.