Explore the Full Moon Day of Waso 2024 in Myanmar

Myanmar, a country rich in cultural diversity and steeped in tradition, celebrates various festivals throughout the year. One of the most important and spiritually significant festivals is the Full Moon Day of Waso. Let's explore from A to Z about this unique festival that travelers should experience once in a lifetime.

What Is The Full Moon Day Of Waso?

What is Waso in Myanmar?

Observed during the fourth month of the Myanmar lunar calendar, this festival holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Myanmar. It commemorates the Buddha's first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, and marks the beginning of the Buddhist Lent, also known as Vassa. The Full Moon Day of Waso is a time for reflection, religious observance, and acts of generosity, bringing communities together in harmony.

When is The Full Moon Day of Waso 2024?

This year, in 2024, The Full Moon Day of Waso will be celebrated on Saturday, July 20th. July can be a nice time for travelers to explore some of the ancient cities such as Bagan or Yangon. These places will organize traditional events and other customs that travelers can come here to join.

Historical and Spiritual significance

The Full Moon Day of Waso holds great historical and spiritual significance for Myanmar's Buddhist community. According to tradition, it was on this auspicious day that the Buddha delivered his first sermon in the ancient city of Sarnath, India, over 2,500 years ago.

The sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta or the "Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma," laid the foundation of Buddhist teachings, outlining the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the Buddha's mission to spread the Dhamma and lead sentient beings out of suffering toward enlightenment.

In Myanmar, the Full Moon Day of Waso is not only a celebration of the Buddha's first sermon but also marks the commencement of the Buddhist Lent, a three-month period of monastic retreat.

The Full Moon Day of Waso in Myanmar

How Myanmar People Celebrate The Full Moon Day Of Waso?

During this period, Buddhist monks remain within their monasteries, devoting themselves to intensive meditation and religious studies. The Full Moon Day of Waso is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by the people of Myanmar. It is a significant religious festival that involves various rituals, cultural expressions, and acts of merit. Here's how people celebrate this auspicious occasion:

• Offering Alms to Monks: The day begins with devotees visiting pagodas and monasteries to offer alms and donations to the Buddhist monks. This act of giving is considered highly meritorious and symbolizes respect and support for the monastic community.

• Pilgrimages to Religious Sites: The Full Moon Day of Waso is an occasion for many to undertake pilgrimages to significant religious sites and pagodas. One of the most popular destinations for pilgrims is the Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay, where the revered Mahamuni Buddha image is enshrined.

• Cultural Events and Festivities: In the days leading up to the festival, communities come together to decorate pagodas and monasteries with colorful ornaments and lights. Street processions, known as "Waso pandals," are organized, featuring floats depicting scenes from the life and teachings of the Buddha.

• Traditional Dance Performances and Music: Cultural events, including traditional dance performances and music shows, are held to entertain and engage the local communities. These performances add a festive touch to the celebrations and showcase Myanmar's rich cultural heritage.

• Water Pouring Ceremony: A significant ritual on this day is the "water pouring ceremony." Devotees bring water in beautifully decorated vessels, often adorned with flowers and incense sticks, to offer Buddha images. Pouring water into large bowls in front of Buddha statues is a symbolic act of merit-making and purification.

• Engaging in Acts of Merit: The festival encourages people to engage in acts of merit, such as practicing generosity, showing kindness to others, and refraining from harmful actions. Many individuals also undertake meditation and engage in spiritual practices to deepen their understanding of the Dhamma.

• Observing the Buddhist Lent: Following the celebrations of the Full Moon Day of Waso, the three-month Buddhist Lent (Vassa) begins. Monks and nuns intensify their spiritual practice during this time, while lay people also observe Lent by supporting the monastic community and engaging in virtuous activities.

• Family and Community Gatherings: The Full Moon Day of Waso is an occasion for families to unite, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of community. It is a time when people connect with their loved ones and share in the joy of the festivities.

The sacred water pouring ceremony during the Full Moon of Waso

Places That Travelers Should Visit During The Full Moon Day Of Waso

Yangon (Rangoon)

As Myanmar's largest city and former capital, Yangon is a bustling hub of cultural activities during the Full Moon Day of Waso. Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most sacred and iconic Buddhist sites in Myanmar, attracts a massive influx of pilgrims and devotees during this time. The pagoda is adorned with colorful decorations, and the atmosphere is filled with a sense of devotion and spirituality. Visitors can participate in the water pouring ceremony and witness traditional dance performances and cultural events.

Shwedagon Pagoda

Mandalay

Being the cultural heart of Myanmar, visiting Mandalay during the Full Moon Day of Waso adds an extra layer of spiritual significance and cultural vibrancy to your travel experience. The Mahamuni Pagoda, housing the revered Mahamuni Buddha image, becomes a center of activity, with pilgrims offering prayers and alms. The city's streets are adorned with festive decorations, and there are processions and cultural performances to enjoy.

People are praying in Mahamuni pagoda

Bagan (Pagan)

The ancient city of Bagan, with its breathtaking temples and pagodas, provides a unique backdrop for the Full Moon Day of Waso festivities.

As one of the most revered religious sites in the country, Bagan has become a focal point for pilgrims and devotees who flock to its ancient temples to observe religious rituals and partake in merit-making activities. The city's landscape, adorned with thousands of temples, pagodas, and stupas, creates a captivating backdrop for the celebrations. Locals and tourists alike come together to witness traditional processions, where Buddha images are elegantly displayed on lavishly decorated floats, accompanied by music and dance performances.

The beauty of ancient temples in Bagan

Monywa

This lesser-known gem in central Myanmar is worth visiting during the Full Moon Day of Waso festival. Monywa is home to the Thanboddhay Pagoda, an impressive complex featuring over 500,000 Buddha images. The pagoda comes alive during the celebrations, with devotees offering candles, flowers, and incense.

Pilgrims pay their respects and offer prayers while the pagoda's golden spires shimmer in the sunlight, adding to the spectacle of the festivities. Monywa becomes a hub of activity, with traditional processions winding through the streets, accompanied by lively music and colorful decorations. The city's vibrant spirit during the Full Moon of Waso showcases Myanmar's rich cultural heritage and offers travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the country's spiritual essence.

Thanboddhay Pagoda

Bago

Located not far from Yangon, Bago is known for its ancient temples and historical sites. The Shwemawdaw Pagoda and Shwethalyaung Buddha are particularly popular during the festival. The pagoda's golden spire glimmers brightly, drawing pilgrims who come to offer alms and prayers on this sacred day.

The Full Moon of Waso in Bago showcases the deep-rooted religious traditions and cultural heritage of Myanmar, providing an enriching and unforgettable experience for all who participate in this significant celebration.

Practical Tips For Joining The Full Moon Day Of Waso

• Dates and Planning: Check the Myanmar lunar calendar for the exact date of the Full Moon Day of Waso. Plan your trip accordingly to experience the festival. Travelers can refer to the Things to do in Myanmar for a memorable trip!

• Weather and Attire: Be prepared for the monsoon season's rain and humidity. Bring appropriate rain gear and wear light and breathable clothing.

• Cultural Respect: Be respectful of local customs and traditions during religious ceremonies. Follow dress codes at religious sites and observe quiet and respectful behavior.

• Accommodation: Book accommodation well in advance, as this festival attracts both local and international visitors.

• Visa preparation: A visa is a must for all international travelers to enter Myanmar. Apply for an e-visa to prepare for the best Full Moon Day of Waso festival. You can follow the visa requirements to know how to apply and what documents you must provide for the e-visa procedure. 

With the ultimate guidelines that we have provided you, you will have the best experience during the Full Moon day of Waso. If you have any questions, please contact us through Myanmar Immigration Services to learn more about the visa process and Myanmar status.