Dhaka, Oct 06 (V7N) – The second largest religious festival of Buddhism, the auspicious Probarana Purnima and Kathina Chibar Dan, also known as Ashwini Purnima, is being celebrated today with traditional fervor and devotion across Bangladesh.

According to the lunar calendar, the Purnima tithi begins at 11:54 pm on Monday (October 6) and will end at 9:03 am on Tuesday. From the day after Probarana Purnima in the month of Ashwin, the Kathina Chibar Dan festival—a month-long religious observance—commences in Buddhist monasteries across the country.

The Kathina Chibar Dan festival, considered the most sacred event for Buddhists, is marked by offerings of new robes to monks, prayers for world peace, and various acts of piety.

On this occasion, the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation has arranged a colorful day-long program at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda, Dhaka. The celebrations include the hoisting of national and religious flags, breakfast for monks, recitation of Mangalsutras, Buddha Puja, Panchasila and Ashtanga Upasatha observances, a grand assembly, guest receptions, readings from the Tripitaka, a discussion meeting, lamp worship, lighting, joint Buddha worship for world peace, lantern flying, and Buddha kirtan.

In his message marking Probarana Purnima, Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus extended greetings to the Buddhist community, emphasizing harmony, compassion, and peace. A delegation of Buddhist religious leaders also met with the Chief Advisor yesterday to exchange greetings on the occasion.

END/SMA/AJ