Buddhist Festivals

Buddha Purnima:
Buddha Purnima is the main religious festival of the Buddhist community, observed on Baishakhi purnima, the day of the full moon in Baishakh (mid-April to mid-May). Three important events in the life of Buddha are believed to have occurred on this day: his birth in 623 BC, his gaining enlightenment in 588 BC, and his death in 543 BC. On Buddha Purnima, Buddhists arrange panchashil, astashil, sutrapath, sutrashravan, collective prayer and various other religious ceremonies. They recite stories of the Buddha and his disciples. Apart from religious rites, social and cultural events are also organised. Many Buddhist viharas organise three-day celebrations.

Kothin Chibor Daan:
This is one of the largest religious festivals of observed by the Buddhist in Bangladesh. According to the Buddhist mythology "Bishakha" sewed new clothes for Goutam Buddha from the cotton in a night. The Buddhists celebrate the day wearing new clothes.

Ashari Purnima:
The Buddhist monks take oath to pass three consecutive months in religious activities in a definite place in the Ashari Purnima. This festival comes to an end with the Puja of Goutam Buddha.

Probarona Purnima:
The oath taken on the Ashari Purnima comes to an end on the Probarona Purnima. In this festival prayers are held for the global peace and for all the people of the past, present and future.

Biju Utsab:
Biju Utsab is the traditional and cultural festival for the Buddhist. The duration of this festival is seven days. Usually the festival begins on the last day of Bengali year and continues for seven days. Fairs are arranged during the festival. Traditional sports are held at the same time. This festival is an occasion which strengthens the social ties.