Kasone Festival of Watering the Banyan Tree

Kasone Festival of Watering the Banyan Tree

Mid-April to May; full moon day of Burmese month of KasoneThe most important of the 12 Burmese festivals of the months, Kasone Full Moon Day —sometimes known as Buddha Day —celebrates the birth and the enlightenment of the Buddha at the foot of the banyan tree. Buddhists in Myanmar (Burma) gather at monasteries and precept halls to practice meditation, to make charitable donations, and to observe the precepts of Buddhism. Another ritual associated with this day is the pouring of water, both individually and collectively, to celebrate the preservation of the banyan tree. Because Kasone is a hot, dry month, fish are often transferred from streams, ponds, and tanks to places where there is more water.
CONTACTS:
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar
2300 S St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-332-3344; fax: 202-332-4351
www.mewashingtondc.com
SOURCES:
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 184