Happy Full Moon Day of Kason!
We wish you all safe and well during this global pandemic.
In May, Burmese people believe that Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under the holy Banyan tree on full moon day of Kason according to the three repositories of Buddhist Scriptures, also known as the Pitakas. So the moon falls on the full moon day of Kason, people go to the nearest temple and pagodas where the banyan (Maha-Bodhi) trees are found, and pour water to pay homage to Buddha.
This festival is well-known as Kason Bodhi Tree Watering Festival in Myanmar and the whole nation participates by going to nearby temples.
Annually, the festival is held for one day. In the morning, buddhists offer food to monks, listen to sermons and pay homage to Buddha. You can also free fish and birds from captivity to do good deeds. In the evening, people march to the Bodhi tree at pagodas to pour scented water.
At Shwedagon Pagoda, you can experience a river of a thousand Buddhist people carrying clay pots filled with water, lining up to pour water before it starts, preparing colorful flowers, some people giving out drinks and water bottles to guests and amusing music opening at the back. And when it starts, people round up the trees and pour together then pray.
This year, it will be different. Stay home, stay safe.
