19 May

The Buddha’s Day, the Full Moon of the month of Kason fell on 18th May in 2019 and pagodas across Myanmar crowded with the people.

Buddhists across the country took part in the celebration of Budda’s Day, the Full Moon day of the month of Kason because the Buddha was born on the day of the Full Moon of the month of Kason, upon which He attained Enlightenment at the age of thirty-five and also upon which He entered Parinibbana (passed away) at the age of eighty.

In commemoration of these three significant and holy events associated with the precious life of the Lord Buddha, Buddhists celebrate Buddha Day, the Full Moon of the month of Kason every year.

The water pouring at the Bo Trees in the month of Kason is one the 12 traditional festivals of the Myanmar.

Buddhist devotees across the Myanmar celebrate the annual festival water the Bo trees at pagodas and monasteries.

The Board of Trustees of the Shwedagon Pagoda celebrated the 36th anniversary of Kason Festival at the pagoda pagoda, where donors offered “Soon” to the members of the Sangha early morning. In the afternoon, Members of the Sangha consecrated the Bo Trees. The congregation led by Members of the Sangha, members of the pagoda board of trustees, religious associations and those present poured water on the Maha Bodhi tree, while reciting religious verses to celebrate the Buddha Day.

Then members of the Board of the Shwedagon Pagoda and religious organizations observed nine precepts from the Shwedagon Pagoda Ovadacariya Sayadaw of Yangon Region Yankin Township Mahadhammikaryone Monastery Kyaikpikyaung Sayadaw Abhidhajamaharatthaguru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamajotika Bhantanta Gunaysana and donated offertories to the members of the Sangha. Next, the congregation listened to the sermon administered by Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Tilawka Bhivamsa, Ovadacariya of Insein Township Ywama Pariyatti Monastery and shared their merits thus gained. Afterwards, they celebrated Buddha Day by pouring water on Bodhi Trees at the pagoda.

Similarly, the Board of Trustees of the Maha Wizaya Pagoda celebrated the 33rd anniversary of Kason Festival at the pagoda yesterday and the religious associations poured water on the Bo Trees. Similar ceremonies were held at the Botahtaung, the Kaba Aye, the Kyaik Wine, the Sacred Tooth Relic and other famous pagodas in Yangon Region. — Ye Ye Myint, (Translated by Win Ko Ko Aung)