Madhu Purnima being observed

Madhu Purnima, one of the greatest festivals of Buddhist communities in Bangladesh, is being celebrated in the country with traditional enthusiasm and solemn devotion. Madhu Purnima is celebrated on the day of the full moon in the month of Bhadra, according to Bangla calendar. Buddhists celebrate the day in commemoration of the service and support rendered by the animals of the Parilyeyo forest, India, to Gautam Buddha. Madhu Purnima announces the greatness of charity. While Buddha was observing his 10th barsabas (seclusion inside the hermitage) or monsoon rites in the Parilyeyo forest, an elephant and a monkey collected alms and gathered fruits for him. They also protected him from ferocious animals. One day the monkey brought a beehive, which Buddha accepted. In his joy at the Buddha’s acceptance of his gift, the monkey started jumping from tree to tree and suffered a fatal fall. It was the day of the full moon in Bhadra. The day was named Madhu Purnima or ‘honey full-moon’ to commemorate the gift of the monkey, according to a news agency.