MERRY KASON
THE GREAT KASON
Myanmar New Year begins with sprays of cool water showering on friends with goodwill and loving kindness. Come Kason, the second month of Myanmar lunar calendar, and once again water is poured. This time on the sacred tree, the Bodhi tree, the tree of enlightenment. The Full moon Day of Kason is a day of three – fold significance the Day the Buddha was born, the day He attained Enlightenment and the Day of His Demise. All over the Myanmar, men and women of all ages go to pagodas in procession to pour water at the root of sacred ‘Bo-Tree’ or ‘Bodhi’ tree under which the Buddha attained Enlightenment.
RITUALS
Carrying water pots on their heads, the lines of people make up a picturesque parade indeed, as they are usually accompanied by a music troupe whose flutes, cymbals, drums and bamboo clappers add a note of gaiety to the festival. They always walk in the clockwise direction. The worshipers chant verses in praise of Buddha. Moreover, on this special day, people offer alms, keep precepts and practice meditation in order to remember Buddha’s teachings
The Buddhists perform meritorious deeds, meditate to attain Enlightenment; keep Sabbath; go to pagodas and monasteries, and give offertories to monks and nuns.
SHOOTING
I went Shwedagon pagoda 4:30 in the morning and waited around 15 minutes in queue. Yes, waited to get a ride on the lift. The Sun hasn’t shown up when I arrived there. I went to Dhamazedi shrine (a famous Buddha image on Shwedagon Pagoda) to offer food basket and then had couples of shoots around the pagoda. Enjoy the photos and get the Buddha blessings on this merit making occasion.
A long queue at lift. I was there 15 minutes just to get a ride since the lift carries only 8 people at a time…
The signboard describing the event and the sacred tree behind… Taken 5:20 AM…
On this special day, people offer alms, keep precepts and practice meditation in order to remember Buddha’s teachings…
There was no space… everywhere is for religious people… Can you imagine the crowd? Yes, that’s the scene I am really proud of…
Carrying water pots on their heads, the lines of people make up a picturesque parade indeed…
Alms offering is an important part of the event…
The Great Shwedagon on fullmoon day of Kason… (this photo is requested by Pyi Soe)
The red earthen pots are the most important symbols of the festival…
The ritual takes place not only on Shwedagon pagoda, but everywhere in Myanmar. A shot taken near my home…
i like 3rd pic bro.. nice shots…