Ashadhi Purnima: Buddhist festival

The Ashadhi Purnima festival was organized by the High Commission of India in Bangladesh and Bangladesh Buddhist Christi Prachar Sangh on 1 August 2023 in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Buddha Purnima is a major festival for people who believe in Buddhism. It is celebrated on the full moon day of Baisakh month. It is believed that Gautama Buddha was born on the day of Buddha Purnima, attained enlightenment on this day and attained Mahanirvana on this day.

• On the occasion, High Commissioner Pranay Verma inaugurated an exhibition on Buddhism and the teachings of Lord Buddha.

• In his remarks, the High Commissioner highlighted the importance of India's enduring ties with Bangladesh bound by common cultural, historical, linguistic and religious threads.

• A film titled 'Path of Compassion' was produced on Gautam Buddha by the famous Buddhist scholar of India Sri. Benoy Behl was also screened on the occasion.

About Gautam Buddha:

• Buddha is also known as Sakyamuni and is the founder of Buddhism.

• Buddha born in 563 BCE in Lumbini, Nepal. He belonged to the Sakya clan, and his father was King Śuddhodana and his mother was Queen Maya. 

• His birth happened on Vaisaka Purnima in the Lumbini gardens near Kapilvastu, part of the Sakyan republic.

• The significant event of Buddha's life was attaining Bodhi, which means enlightenment. 

• Buddha attained nirvana (enlightenment) under a Peepal tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. This event was an important moment in the development of Buddhism.

• Buddha passed away in 483 BCE in Kushinagara.