Buddha Purnima cultural festival to be held in six districts including Dhaka

To mark the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, has organised a simultaneous cultural festival across six districts, including Dhaka, for today at 7pm. While the Buddhist holiday falls on May 11 this year, the festivities are scheduled a day in advance.

The festival will take place in Dhaka, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrachari. The central event will be held at the Nandan Mancha of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka, where cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and several other dignitaries are expected to attend. 

Ambassadors from countries including China, Thailand, Singapore, and Cambodia have also been invited. The president of the Bangladesh Bauddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, Bhedanta Buddhapriyo Mahathero, will also attend as a guest.

The event in Dhaka will open with performances of humanist songs and dances by artistes from the Buddhist community, followed by musical acts from "Different Touch" and singer Sayan.

In Chattogram, the celebration will be held at Shirish Tala CRB, with Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin as chief guest and Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanom presiding. Local artists and the Matrical Band will perform, with popular singer Asif Akbar headlining.

Cox's Bazar's event will be hosted at Khesari Government High ground in Ramu, with Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdurrashid attending as chief guest. The program will include performances by local Shilpakala Academy artists, singer Parvez, and Mila.

Bandarban's event will take place at Raja Math, with District Council Chairman Prof Thanjama Lusai attending as chief guest. Musical acts include local bands and singer Nolok Babu.

In Rangamati, the celebration at Government College ground will be attended by Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs advisor Supradeep Chakma. District Commissioner Mohammad Habib Ullah and Superintendent of Police Dr SM Farhad Hossain will also be present. The show will feature Jiku Marma and team, soloist Rafi Talukder, and Close-Up 1 star Beauty.

Finally, the Khagrachari celebration at Government High School ground will host District Council Chairman Jiruna Tripura as chief guest. Guests will also include DC ABM Iftekharul Islam and SP Arefin Jewel. Performances include Arannya Band, Shanti Debnath and team, singer Rupsha, and Close-Up 1 star Rajib.

Read more

Dora explores within

The festival aims to showcase cultural harmony, with traditional Buddhist music and dance taking center stage alongside popular musical acts in each region.