Buddha Purnima, the biggest religious festival of the Buddhist community, is being observed across the country today.

Photo: Orchid Changma

The day marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing into nirvana of Gautama Buddha. On this day in 563 BC, Buddha was born as Siddhartha Gautama in Kapilavastu at the foothills of the Himalayas. He attained supreme enlightenment at the age of 35 and entered nirvana at the age of 80 in 483 BC.

Photo: Orchid Changma

The day is a public holiday.

Photo: Orchid Changma

On the occasion, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus extended greetings to members of the Buddhist community.

Photo: Orchid Changma

Buddhist religious leaders and leaders of the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust met and exchanged greetings with the chief adviser yesterday at the State Guest House Jamuna, ahead of the festival.

Photo: Orchid Changma

Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain was also present at the event.

Photo: Orchid Changma

In a message issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing, Prof Yunus extended warm felicitations to the Buddhist community in Bangladesh and around the world.

Photo: Orchid Changma

"This year's celebrations have come at a time when the teachings of Lord Buddha to foster peace, harmony, and unity are more relevant than ever before," the message said.

"On this auspicious occasion, I wish that our path forward as a humanity be lit with understanding, compassion, and joy," said the chief adviser.