Dhaka, May 6 (UNB) – Buddha Purnima, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community, was celebrated across the country on Sunday with due religious fervour and gaiety.

The day marks the birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvan of Lord Buddha in the 7th century Before Christ (BC).

The Buddha - Siddhartha Gautam - was born in the Shakya royal family in Lumbini in south Nepal. Using historical records referring to Alexander, the Great and Emperor Ashoka, the Buddha's birth date is usually given as May 563 BC.

Buddhist monasteries in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country were decorated with flags on the occasion. Recitation from the Buddhist sacred book Tripitak, breaking of fast by the monks, bringing out peace procession, holding discussion and offering of 'kathin chibor dan' (presentation of yellow robes to the monks) were the special features of the celebrations.

Special prayers were also offered in all monasteries across the country seeking peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.

The day was a public holiday.

On the occasion, President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zi in separate messages greeted the Buddhist community.

President Zillur Rahman also accorded a reception to the members of the Buddhist Community at Bangabhaban on Sunday afternoon, marking the Buddha Purnima.

Industries Minister Dilip Barua, State Minister for Religious Affairs Adv M Shahjahan Miah, Principal of Cox’s Bazar Ramu Sima Bihar Srimat Sathapriyo Mahathero, Ambassadors of Japan, Vietnam and Bhutan and High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and representatives from various international organisations and different professionals of the Buddhist community attended the reception.

The President welcomed the guests and exchanged greetings with them.