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

The community has arranged different programmes, including colourful processions, Puja, Sanghadan, discussions and cultural functions to mark the day in a befitting manner.

Lord Buddha was born on this day of full moon in 563 BC, attained enlightenment and passed away on the same day.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in separate messages on the occasion, greeted members of the Buddhist community as well as the countrymen.

Leaders of different political and socio-cultural organisations have also greeted the people from the community.

The day is a public holiday. On the occasion, newspapers publish different articles while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television (BTV) and private TV channels air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

The celebrations will start with the lighting of lamps and hoisting of the national and religious flags atop the Mohabihar and chanting of sacred verses from Tripitaka.

Bangladesh Buddhist Federation (BBF) is set to organise a day-long programmes, including a discussion meeting, at the Merul Badda International Budda Bihar in the city. The programmes would include Puja and discussion.