The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

'Buddha Purnima', the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community, will be celebrated across the country today with utmost religious fervour and enthusiasm.

This occasion marks three most important events in the life of Lord Buddha-his advent, enlightenment and nirvana, 2,500 years back.

On this day in around 563 BC, Buddha was born as Siddartha Gautam in Kopilabostu at the foothill of the Himalayas, now in Indian state of Bihar. He got supreme enlightenment at the age of 35 in 528 BC and finally departed into 'nirvana" at the age of 80 in 483 BC.

The Buddhist community will celebrate this holy occasion in all monasteries and offices of the Buddhist religious organisations through a day-long programme. The programme includes hoisting the national flag and the Buddhist religious flag atop all monasteries, recitation of sacred verses from the Tripitak and breaking of fast by the monks.

Mass prayers, blood donation, 'sangadana' (presentation to the monks), discussion, 'panchashilla' (prayer) and pradip puja are the other highlights of the day's programme.

Special prayers will be offered at the monasteries across the country seeking peace, progress and prosperity of the Buddhist community as well as the nation.