Full Moon Day of Tabaung: Pagodas and temples packed with the pilgrims

The 13th of March falls on the full moon day of Tabaung in Myanmar calendar, a day of religious significance for Myanmar Buddhists.

The significant religious edifices such as Maravijaya Buddha Image, Upattasanti Pagoda, Budh Gaya (Nay Pyi Taw), Maha Thakyaranthi Standing Buddha image, Yanaungmyin Shwelethla Pagoda, Dhatucaya Pagoda, Pagoda of peace, Hlaykhwintaung Pagoda, Koekhangyi Pagoda and Lawkayanhnein Pagoda etc.

in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area were thronged with religious associations, local people, civil service personnel and pilgrims from four corners of the nation. Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and other pagodas and temples are bustling with devotees who have come to make merit and pay homage. The Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees is hosting a grand alms-offering ceremony and the 2613th anniversary of the Buddha Pujaniya Tabaung Festival.

From the early morning, at designated areas on the pagoda platform, a merit-sharing ceremony for the achievement of a continuous recitation of the Maha Patthana Dhamma Discourses was held. Similarly, on this Tabaung full moon day, the Botahtaung Pagoda, Maha Wizaya Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Thirimingalar Kabaaye Pagoda, the Sacred Tooth Relic Pagoda (Yangon), the Lokachantha Abhaya Laba Muni Buddha Image in Mindhamma Hill, the Shwe Bone Pwint Pagoda, the historic Kyaikasan Pagoda, the Mal-La-Mu Pagoda, and the Koe Htat Kyee Pagoda are also crowded with the devotees from various regions who have come to pay homage.

Likewise, in Mandalay, pagodas and temples are filled with people performing meritorious deeds, offering alms, and attending Buddha Pujaniya festivals. From the early morning, local residents have been paying homage to the Maha Myat Muni Buddha Image, offering flowers, water, oil lamps, and golden robes. Other prominent pagodas in the city, such as the Shwe Kyee Myin Pagoda, the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda at the foot of Mandalay Hill, the Kuthodaw Pagoda, the Sandamuni Pagoda, the AungTawMuu Pagoda, and the Pha-Ya-Ni Pagoda, are also filled with devotees making offerings and praying.

Many are also seen meditating peacefully in the serene atmosphere of these sacred sites. Additionally, the Hsu-Taung-Pyae Buddha Image on Mandalay Hill, the historic Shwe Hsar-Yan Pagoda in Patheingyi Township, and nearby pagodas and stupas are hosting the Buddha Pujaniya Festival. These sites are also bustling with devotees from near and far who have come to participate in the festivals.