Dhaka: Buddha Purnima, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community, was celebrated today in the capital and elsewhere across the country.

To mark the day in a befitting manner, country’s Buddhist community chalked out various programmes including colourful processions and discussions.

The day was a public holiday. On the occasion, newspapers published different articles while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television (BTV) and private TV channels are airing special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

As per the belief of the Buddhists, the emergence of Lord Buddha took place on this day 2,558 years ago. Lord Buddha was born on the full moon day in 563 BC, attained supreme enlightenment and passed away on the same day.

In separate messages on the eve of the day, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted members of the Buddhist community as well as the countrymen, reports BSS.

The celebrations started with lighting of lamps and hoisting of the national and religious flags atop the Mohabihar and chanting of sacred verses from the Tripitaka.

A colourful procession was bought out from Sabujbagh Dharmarajik Buddha Maha Bihar and it paraded through main thoroughfares of the city this morning.

A day-long programme was organized at Sabujbagh Dharmarajik Buddha Maha Bihar in the city, with Swadharmasabha at 9:00am. Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu inaugurated the function with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon as the chief guest. Former minister Dilip Barua was present on the occasion as the special guest.

A discussion was held in the afternoon at the same place with lawmaker Saber Hossain Chowdhury as the chief guest.

In Khagrachari, members of the Buddhist community celebrated their most sacred and largest festival Buddha Purnima in the city and elsewhere in the district with traditional enthusiasm and sublime devotion. A colourful procession was bought out from city’s Mahajan Para area.

The Buddhist devotees also offered fruits, flowers, candles etc to statues of Lord Buddha throughout the day.