In celebration of Buddha Purnima, a festival highlighting the development and nurturing of human culture, a peaceful procession and goodwill celebration has been organized in Shahbag, Dhaka, by the `2024 Bangladesh Buddhist Cultural Council.`
This year, marking the 2567th Buddha Jayanti, the day emphasizes the revival of Buddhist culture as the cornerstone of unity and goodwill.
The procession commenced from TSC of Dhaka University, led by Raju Bhaskar, and proceeded through Shahbag intersection, concluding with a peace gathering.
Buddha Purnima, the main religious festival for Buddhists, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Gautama Buddha nearly 2,500 years ago.
President M. Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended their separate greetings on the occasion. President M. Sahabuddin remarked, "Lord Gautama Buddha preached the eternal message of harmony and friendship for the establishment of a compassionate and peaceful world. His timeless teachings of non-violence, `Ahimsa Paramo Dharma,` remain relevant in society today."
Additionally, in the evening, a ceremony of tribute is arranged at Bangabhaban where President M. Sahabuddin will deliver a speech. This event will be attended by Religious Affairs Minister M. Faridul Haque Khan, Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Kujendra Lal Tripura, and more than eight hundred invited guests from the Buddhist community.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, stated, "Lord Gautama Buddha advocated non-violence, equality, friendship, and compassion for the welfare of humanity and the establishment of peace and harmony in society. Following Buddha`s teachings is essential in today`s world to curb the rising tide of violence, prevent the erosion of values, and construct a peaceful society."
