Celebrating Buddhist Devotion:The significance of Dhamma Cakka Day

On the Full Moon Day of Waso, a significant occasion for Buddhist devotees, pagodas and temples across Myanmar are crowded with pilgrims, performing good deeds.

Being a significant day for Buddhist people, the religious festivals have been organized at the prominent pagodas including Shwedagon and Botataung Pagodas in Yangon Region. 

Member, Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees, Htay Hlaing said "On every significant day for Buddhist devotees, the Pagoda Board of Trustees organize the celebrations, on behalf of all the donors across the country and the globe as a whole. All Buddhist devotees are invited to come and perform good deeds peace of mine and pleasantness."

Also known as the Dhamma Cakka Day, it commemorates pivotal moments in the life of Lord Buddha. These events include the conception of the Buddha, Prince Siddhartha, in the womb of his mother Maya, Queen of King Suddhodana, his renunciation of worldly attachments, the preaching of the Dhammacakka to his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment, and the demonstration of unprecedentedly extraordinary supernatural powers.

Alternate Chairman, Aung Ko Zaw, Botataung Pagoda Board of Trustees said "The Dhamma Cakka sermon is very valuable. The Lord Buddha preached this sermon, dedicating to practicing the balanced way without any extremism. If every Buddhist devotee abide by this principle, we will gain peace and tranquility."

On this auspicious day, the devotees offer Waso robes and other offertories to the pagodas.

Pilgrim, Kyin Ohn, Thingankyun Township said "I have come here since early morning to offer morning Soon to the Shwedagon Pagoda which is the annual good deed on this significant day.  Starting tomorrow, the Buddhist monks will take retreat during the three month Lent. I would like to wish for peace and prosperity of the country, supporting for the religion more than ever."

Starting from this Full Moon Day, Buddhist monks will enter a period of retreat and meditation, supported by offerings of food, robes, medicine, and financial donations from the community. This retreat symbolizes a dedication to spiritual practice and adherence to the teachings of Buddha.