Maghi Purnima arrives once more

Buddhists all over Bangladesh will celebrate the Maghi Purnima, one of their major festivals on Wednesday, 16 February, 2022. This festival is commemorated on the night of the full moon in the month of Magh, through remembering Gautama Buddha and the announcement of his impending death.

We spoke to Sugata Chakma Nanadhan, former tribal cultural-committee administrator and currently a Chakma community author and researcher, about the special celebration. He enlightened us on the matter, saying, "Every Purnima is important for the Buddhists including the Maghi Purnima; this is when the grihostho (general public) pray for their salvation and enquire the Bhikkhu (monks) for a better life in this world.  This is also when they pray to achieve the Panchasheel (the five precepts) of morality training. On the other hand, the Shannashis or the Bhikkhus (monks) pray to become a perfected person, one who has gained insight into the true nature of existence and achieved Nirban (nirvana), the monks will also pray to continue with their monastic life and hence be able to follow the Ashtasheel (the practice of following the eight edicts)."

Every year, the Maghi Purnima is celebrated in all monasteries and respective offices of the religious organizations. Traditional fairs are also organized at some of the Buddhist populated regions of the country.

"Maghi Purnima is celebrated on a large scale because this month specifically marks the end of the winter season, when the weather is suitable to make any sort of festivity out in the open. People can take their appropriate time to carry forward with prayers and supplications; there are many enjoyable activities that happen during the special occasion such as releasing sky lanterns into the clear moonlit night and followers of the Bahu Chakra (a unique arrangement to prayer)," informed Nanadhan.

The conversation ended with him wishing the people of the world, peace, prosperity and a better future in the forthcoming years.

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed