Buddho Purnima

Buddho Purnima is a Buddhist holiday celebrating Prince Siddhartha Gautama's birth that is observed in most of East and South Asia. In Bangladesh, Buddha's birthday is celebrated as a public holiday known as Buddho Purnima. Buddhist monks and priests decorate Buddhist temples with colorful decorations and candles in the days leading up to Purnima.

On the Buddho Purnima, the President and Prime Minister give remarks about Buddhism's history and relevance, as well as religious harmony in the country. Large fairs are conducted in and around the temples and viharas from noon onwards, selling Bengali food (mostly vegetarian), clothing, and toys.

There are also performances depicting Buddha's life. Celebrants are taught about the Dharma and the Five Precepts by Buddhist monks (panchashila). Buddhists then gather inside the monastery for a convocation, where the chief monk gives a speech about the Buddha and the Three Jewels (tri-ratna), as well as living the perfect life. After that, people light candles and recite the Three Jewels and Five Precepts, followed by a prayer to the Buddha.

Date: April or May

Type: Buddhist