Buddhists In Myanmar Celebrate Festival Of Lights
YANGON : As Hindus worldwide prepare to celebrate Deepavali next Thursday, Theravada Buddhists in Myanmar have just celebrated their own Festival of Lights in a big way last week.
Our reporter witnessed the festivities in Yangon.
She was among the first group of foreign journalists officially allowed into the country since September’s protests and violent crackdown.
Shwedagon Pagoda is Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist site.
Here and at other pagodas throughout the country, devotees gathered to celebrate Thadingyut.
During the three-day festival, oil lamps, lanterns and twinkle lights set Myanmar aglow.
Shan Gyi, Liaison Officer, Shwedagon Pagoda, said: “The light means for all to be enlightened - from worse to good.”
For Theravada Buddhists, the festival marks the day Buddha returned to earth after teaching the celestials in heaven.
To welcome him, devotees lit up the streets and their homes.
Thadingyut also marks the end of the monsoon season.
It is also a time for great rejoicing as couples rush to marry after the three-month period of Buddhist Lent.
During this period, Myanmar Buddhists go vegetarian, and refrain from having meals after noon.
Once Lent is over, they celebrate by paying respects to their elders, and praying for blessings.
“For all things - for my family, for my life also,” said one Buddhist.
“I pray for my business and for good health and good luck for my family,” said another.
During the festival, many living outside Yangon travel to Shwedagon to join the 20,000-strong crowds that throng the pagoda on festive days. - CNA/ch
Channel News Asia