The 1388 Myanmar New Year ceremony will be held at the Shwedagon Pagoda on New Year’s Day, 17 April, according to the Pagoda Board of Trustees. The pro­gramme will include the offering of alms at the pagoda, the rec­itation of Paritta by venerable Sayadaws, and fish-releasing ceremonies.

“The 1388 Myanmar New Year ceremony will begin with the offering of great alms to the Buddha at the Shwedagon Pagoda at 5 am, followed by the offering of alms to venerable monks at 5:30 am. At 6:30 am, the New Year celebration will take place at the ancient Bud­dha images on the southern part of the pagoda, including listening to Paritta recited by venerable Sayadaws, making offerings, and sharing merits. At 7 am, a fish-releasing cere­mony will be held at Shin Uppa­gutta Lake in Singuttara Park, on the pagoda’s lower terrace near the northern archway,” said U Bo Thin, a member of the Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees.

Additionally, the Shweda­gon Pagoda will remain open throughout the Maha Thing­yan holiday, allowing pilgrims to observe the Dhamma in ac­cordance with the guidelines. — ASH/MKKS