Festivals of three religions observed simultaneously in Bangladesh
Dhaka: In Bangladesh, the holy Eid Miladunnabi (SM) of the Muslims, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja of the Hindus and Prabarana Purnima of the Buddhists have been celebrated simultaneously.
Thousands of Muslims have vowed to maintain inter-religious unity at a rally on the occasion of Eid-e-Miladunnabi on Wednesday.
Participants in a religious rally organized by Maizbhandari Durbar Sharif raised their hands and said, "We will not accept religious extremism, militancy and sectarianism."
The gathering was attended by scholars and Sufis as well as ministers, politicians, foreign diplomats and dignitaries. The current leader of Durbar Sharif, Syed Saifuddin Ahmed, administered the oath at the rally.
He said that this year Miladunnabi has brought a great opportunity to maintain inter-religious unity in line with the guidance of the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Among the political leaders, the information minister and the joint secretary general of the Awami League Hasan Mahmud, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Kalyan Party President Major General (Rtd.) Syed Mohammad Ibrahim addressed the meeting. Representatives from Indonesia and South Korea also attended the rally.
State Minister for Religion Mohammad Faridul Haque Khan gave a virtual address from Pirganj.
The gathering from the premises of the Institute of Engineers brought out a colorful procession on the highway. Participants carried placards with the Prophet's message of universal peace and unity.
Saifuddin Ahmed said that Muslims who follow the Qur'an and the Prophet (peace be upon him) are obliged to maintain communal harmony. It is haraam for Muslims to attack the shrines of other religions.
He called on all to refrain from making any comments that could lead to renewed communal tensions and to bring the perpetrators of the recent violence to justice.
Muslims across the country traditionally celebrate Eid Miladunnabi (peace be upon him) by discussing the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his spiritual teachings.
The Hindus celebrated the annual Kojagari Lakshmi Puja. The puja is performed in their own homes as a daily prayer. The Buddhists celebrated the annual Pravarana Purnima by discussing the Buddha's message of non-violent teaching.
Kajal Debnath, a leader of the Hindu community, said it was a coincidence that religious festivals of three religions were celebrated at the same place on the same day. But I see this as an indication of interfaith unity because we are all created by the same Creator. He is the Lord of us all.
"We want to be inspired by this coincidence in the spirit of peaceful co-existence," he added.
On this day in 570 AD, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in Makkha, Saudi Arabia with the message of peace for mankind. Miladunnabi is celebrated on this occasion.
Lakshmi Puja is celebrated every year after Durga Puja, the main religious festival of Hindus. According to Hindu scriptures, Vishnu's wife Lakshmi is the goddess of beauty and wealth.
Prabarana Purnima of the Buddhist community is also celebrated in a festive atmosphere. Through this festival, the Buddhist monks ended their three-month solitude.