Mandalay City was filled with religious devotion as crowds gathered to pour scented water on banyan trees and make offerings in honour of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and Parinibbana on the Full Moon Day of Kason (Buddha Day), an auspicious and sacred occasion for Theravada Buddhists.

Worshippers across the city visited the consecration of prominent pagodas and stupas and pay homage to sacred relics. Traditional ceremonies were held to pour water on banyan trees and offer alms such as rice to members of the Sangha. Generous donors also distributed charity feasts to monks and laypeople alike.

Yesterday morning, Sayadaws performed the consecration ceremony at the revered Maha Muni Buddha Image. The Image Board of Trustees and other officials arranged for devotees to pay homage from the eastern stairway of the Gandhakuti Chamber. Worshippers including monks, laypeople, religious associations, Mandalay locals and pilgrims from across the country participated in offering meals, water and flowers, reciting devotional verses and observing the Eight Precepts.

Under the leadership of the Mandalay Region Government, a ceremony was also held at Maha Atula Waiyan Monastery beginning at 7 am. Monks and nuns from various monasteries received donations of rice, cooking oil, onions and beans. A special offering ceremony took place for 108 monks, with participation of large crowds of departmental personnel and generous individuals.

Religious ceremonies in line with traditions were held throughout townships and wards across Mandalay. Famous pagodas including the Mandalay Hill Sutaungpyae Pagoda, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Aungtawmu Pagoda, Chanthaya Pagoda, the Jade Pagoda and the Sacred Tooth Relic Pagoda saw crowds of pilgrims pouring water on banyan trees and offering charity feasts.

In the afternoon, water-pouring rituals continued at banyan trees planted in the precincts of pagodas and monasteries.

Maung Aye Chan/KZL

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