Full Moon Day Of Kasong in Myanmar

If you are looking for a special and spiritually uplifting travel experience, then attending the full moon day of Kasong in Myanmar may be just what you need. This important holiday in the Buddhist calendar is celebrated across the country with great devotion and enthusiasm and offers visitors a chance to witness traditional religious and cultural practices. 

From the lighting of candles and release of paper lanterns to the recitation of the Dhamma and the performance of folk dances and music, the celebrations on Kasong Day are a reflection of Myanmar's rich cultural heritage and the values of compassion, generosity, and mindfulness that are at the heart of Buddhism.

Keep reading this article, Myanmar Immigration Services will help you broaden your knowledge about Full Moon Day of Kasong - the Buddha day in Myanmar.

A Brief Of Full Moon Day Of Kasong In Myanmar

The Full Moon Day of Kasong (Vesak Day), also known as Buddha Day, is an important holiday celebrated in Myanmar by Buddhists. It is observed on the full moon day of the Buddhist calendar's sixth lunar month, which normally occurs in May or June. This day is significant as it commemorates three major events in the life of the Buddha, namely his birth, enlightenment, and death. 

Buddhism is the most widely recognized religion in Myanmar, with over 80% of the population following this faith. The country is home to many ancient temples and pagodas, and the full moon day of Kasong is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Buddhists across the country.

Because Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and attained Nirvana on the Full Moon Day of Kasone month (Myanmar Lunar calendar), Myanmar people consider the Full Moon Day of Kasong to be a holy day. Myanmar people often refer to this day as Buddha Day. On this day, all offices, stores, marketplaces, and banks are closed, and people perform good actions to each other. 

The Full Moon day of Kasong Festival in Myanmar

• What does Vesak mean in Myanmar?

Vesak, also known as Vesakha or Visakha, is a term used in Myanmar to refer to the full moon day of Kasong, which is one of the most crucial occasions in the Buddhist calendar. The word "Vesak" comes from the Sanskrit word "Vaisakha", which is the name of the month in which the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and passed away.

• When is the Full moon day of Kasong 2023?

Full Moon Day of Kasong is expected to be celebrated on May 3, 2023. Travelers can travel during this time to observe and experience various religious and cultural activities.

How is Vesak celebrated in Myanmar?

The celebrations of Vesak in Myanmar are an opportunity for people to come together as a community and to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha. It is a time to honor his legacy and renew one's commitment to living a life of compassion, generosity, and mindfulness.

Offerings and good deeds

Vesak Day celebrations begin practically everywhere in Myanmar, with devoted Buddhists congregating at temples for a ritual. People offer drinks and food to the spirits on this day, as well as burn candles and incense. Traditional dances are performed, and individuals dress in traditional costumes. 

On this day, Buddhists wake up early and prepare offerings of flowers, candles, and incense to be taken to the temples and pagodas. They dress in traditional attire and make their way to the nearest temple or pagoda. The most popular destination on this day is the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, which is believed to contain relics of the Buddha himself. 

Moreover, The full moon day of Kasong is also a time for social gatherings and family reunions. Families come together to share food and exchange gifts, and children are often given new clothes and toys.

At the temple or pagoda, devotees participate in a number of religious activities. They may offer food to monks or make donations to the temple or pagoda. They may also take part in a ceremony called the Thabarwa (offering of alms), where they offer food to the Buddha and other deities.

This is the time that families and friends gather together

Watering to Buddhi trees

On the day of Kasone Full Moon or Buddha Day, numerous Buddhist religious groups and hundreds of individuals gather to perform ceremonies and pageantry by pouring water from silver bowls into the enclosure around the Sacred Bodhi Tree. On the Full moon day of Kasong, as Buddha taught and preached, people can also worship the Bodhi Banyan tree on Buddha's behalf.

The land is dry in Kasone since it is in the midst of the hot season, and people sprinkle water on the Maha-Bodhi tree to ensure it does not die of thirst during the hot summer. This has become a vital part of Myanmar culture, with Buddhists marching in a spectacular procession to the Bodhi tree or to the pagodas on every full moon day of Kasone to sprinkle scented water in commemoration of Buddha. 

Everyone will take care of the Bodhi Tree

What Is So Special About The Full Moon Day Of Kasong For Travelers?

While the celebrations on the Full moon day of Kasong are centered around the Buddhist faith, they are also a reflection of Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage. The country has a long history of art, music, and dance, and these traditions are often showcased during the celebrations. Folk dances and traditional music are performed, and visitors can also witness traditional crafts being made by skilled artisans.

Thadingyut festival

The highlight of the celebrations is the lighting of candles and the release of paper lanterns into the sky. The candle lighting ceremony, known as the Thadingyut festival, is symbolic of the enlightenment of the Buddha, who is regarded as the light of the world. The paper lanterns are also seen as a symbol of hope, and it is believed that they carry the wishes and prayers of those who release them.

Lighting hundreds of lanterns during the Thadingyut festival

Dhamma teaching

The Sanskrit term Dharma (spelled Dhamma in the Pili language) means the truth and the law of nature, which is the teachings of the Buddha. This is done in the form of sermons and discussions, where monks and laypeople come together to discuss the teachings of the Buddha and their relevance in today’s world.

The monk will teach the Buddhist Dharma to all people 

Overall, the Full Moon Day of Kasong is a deeply meaningful and spiritually uplifting occasion for the people of Myanmar, and it serves as a reminder of the timeless wisdom and universal values that continue to inspire and guide people all over the world. Travelers can totally come to Myanmar to experience those cultural activities by spending a few minutes completing the Myanmar e-visa application. Check your eligibility, grab your passport, and head to one of the most attractive festivals in the world. Hope you have a nice vacation in Myanmar next week!