Religious Ceremonies at Shwedagon Pagoda
The Shwedagon Pagoda and others pagoda across the country are alive with pilgrims for celebrating the Thadingyut Festival and on the full moon day of Thadingyut on October 9 as well.
On this Abhidhamma Day, at the ancient Buddha statutes hall of the Pagoda, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein and many other officials as well as the Board of Trustees and Wut associations took 8 precepts. They also shared the merits gained as the Buddha Pujaniya festivals were successfully held during the 3-month Buddhist Lent. There, the Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees offered alms to members of the Sangha and provided food to devotees.
Phoe Thin, Member of Broad of Trustees, Shwedagon Pagoda said: “We made religious ceremonies during the 13 weeks of lent including the full moon days. Today, we offered alms to members of the Sangha and provided food for devotees. During the COVID-19 period, we held the religious ceremonies according to the rules set by the Ministry of Health. We announce the COVID-19 rules once every half hour and are working on the COVID prevention and security measures along the halls and entrance of elevators.”
On the full moon of Thadingyut, Abhidhamma Day, Buddhists pay homage to the pagodas with flowers and offertories, do good deeds in various townships, pay homage to elders, parents and grandparents, observe 5 or 8 precepts and lit candles, lanterns and colorful electric lights.
Zarni, Devotee said:“Normally, we don’t come to pagoda on the auspicious days because it’s crowded. But, this year’s Thadingyut full moon day is important for our family – we came, that’s why. We came to the Shwedagon Pagoda, performed good deeds and shared the merits gained with our grandfather who passed away last month.”
The Thadingyut Festival (Lighting festival) of Myanmar is held on the full moon day of the Myanmar lunar month of Thadingyut. As a custom, it is held at the end of the Buddhist Sabbath and is the second most popular festival in Myanmar after Thingyan festival.