Buddhist devotees celebrate 'Modhu Purnima'

'Modhu Purnima', one of the most important Buddhist festivals, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour at the Rangamati Rajban Bihar, last Wednesday.

Devout Buddhists (from Chakma, Marma, Tangchangya, Tripura and Barua communities) from far-flung areas of the three hill districts of Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari thronged at the Rajban Bihar on that day.

Modhu Purnima is usually observed to pay homage to Lord Goutam Buddha through the offering of honey by the devotees.

Devotees -- young and old -- made the offerings to Buddha and Bana Vante at the festival.

Aroti Roy, mother of the Chakma Circle Chief (Chakma King) Barrister Devashis Roy and former minister for CHT Affairs Kalpa Ranjan Chakma attended the programme.

The event started with “Pancha-shila” prayer by the acting president of Rajban Bihar Upasak Upasika Parishad, Samorbijoy Chakma.

Respected spiritualist and chief monk of the Bihar Sadhana Nanda Mohasthabir, widely known as “Bana Vante” addressed the gathering and recited from the holy book Thripitak.

In his speech, the Bana Vante urged the devotees not to drink liquor as it is considered a sin. He said a drunk loses dignity.

Urging devotees to be civil and wise, he also advised them to follow the way of truth.

Modhu Purnima has been celebrated since time immemorial. It is believed that the tradition started when monkeys collected honey from a deep jungle and made an offering to Lord Buddha. Since then Modhu Purnima has been celebrated by the Buddhists.

News By Shantimoy Chakma, Rangamati
The Daily Star
Friday, September 28, 2007 08:11 AM GMT+06:00