The Full Moon Day of Kason (Buddha Day) is an auspicious occasion for Theravada Buddhists. Accordingly, ceremonies were held at well-known pagodas in Mandalay, including consecration rites and the traditional pouring of water on the Maha Bodhi trees revered at these pagodas. Across the city, devotees offered rice and alms to monks.
At 4 am yesterday, the Mahamuni Buddha image underwent the ceremonial face-washing ritual, led by venerable Sayadaws and attended by members of the public, the Dhamma Cakka Associations, boards of trustees, and various religious organizations.
Pilgrims from across the country came to offer gold foils, alms, water, and flowers. They also performed the ritual pouring of water on the Buddha images and on the Bodhi tree within the Mahamuni Pagoda precinct.
In addition, under the leadership of the Mandalay Region Government, a donation ceremony was held at Maha Atulawaiyan Monastery in Aungmyaythazan Township, where rice, cooking oil, onions, and greamwere offered to monks and nuns from various monasteries in Mandalay.
On this auspicious day, government departments and members of the public participated in the ceremonies and made offerings to monks and nuns with great devotion.
Similarly, merit-making ceremonies marking the Full Moon Day of Kason were held in townships and wards in accordance with religious traditions. Visitors also flocked to well-known pagodas, including Shwe Kyi Myin Pagoda and Phayani Pagoda in Mandalay.
Mandalay Hill was particularly crowded with people taking part in the water-pouring ceremonies. Similar rituals were also held at the Maha Bodhi tree at the foot of Mandalay Hill, where devotees gathered to perform acts of merit.
In the evening, people throughout Mandalay continued the tradition by pouring water on Maha Bodhi trees at pagodas in various townships and wards, engaging in merit-making activities. — Min Htet Aung (Mandalay Sub-Printing House)/MKKS
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