Tazaungmone is the eighth month of the Myanmar lunar calendar. The word “Tazaung” means a torch or a lighted lantern. During the month of Tazaungmone, most of the people join traditional festivals and religious ceremonies, including the Tazaungdine lighting festival, the Kathina robe-offering ceremony, the Mathoe Thingan (robe-weaving) ceremony, customary pranks of youth, secretly discarding property, the charitable offering festival and so on. The tradition of preparing and sharing Mezali bud salad is also observed.
During the month of Tazaungmone, Matho Thingan (robe-weaving) competitions are traditionally held at prominent pagodas and stupas across Myanmar to offer robes to the Buddha images dedicated to the Lord Buddha. The competitions are accompanied by the continuous beating of traditional Ozi drums and percussion instruments throughout the night to encourage the participants. They are also regarded as festivals that bring both spiritual and worldly benefits.
In addition, Kathina robe-offering ceremonies are held for members of the Sangha during the month of Tazaungmone. The term “Kathina” is derived from the Pali word “Kathina” and refers to an offering of robes that enables recipients to firmly enjoy the five benefits of Kathina. Kathina robes may be offered only once a year, during the one month from the first waning of Thadingyut to the Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone. This is a special form of offering that can be made only once a year, once during that month, and to only one monastery on the designated occasion.
One notable feature that distinguishes Tazaungmone from Thadingyut is the grand celebration of the Tazaungdine hot-air balloon festivals in Taunggyi and PyinOoLwin, where the festivities are held on a large and lively scale. In addition, people organize small-scale charitable offering activities and prepare and share Mezali bud salad. The Samañaphala Day and National Victory Day, however, continue to be prominently commemorated to this day for their religious and historical significance. The festivals held during Tazaungmone include not only merit-making ceremonies organized in accordance with Myanmar’s traditional customs and cultural heritage but also festive activities arranged to bring joy and happiness to the general public.
Vibrant celebrations and joyful activities in Tazaungmone bring not only religious merit but also happiness, peace and delight to people’s hearts. As the month of Tazaungmone brings abundant blessings and benefits to everyone, all people work together to preserve and promote the traditional festivals and religious merit-making ceremonies celebrated throughout the month. While enjoying these festivities, they should ensure that the essence of Myanmar’s cultural heritage is not neglected, diminished or lost.
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