YANGON, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's pilgrims flocked to the Shwedagon Pagoda to participate in the traditional Kason water pouring festival held on Wednesday.
The Kason water pouring festival, now in its 41st year, is organized annually by the pagoda's board of trustees, U Boe Thin, a member of the Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees, told Xinhua.
The Bodhi tree, considered the birth partner of Lord Buddha, is treated with great reverence. Water pouring ceremonies are held to cool and bring peace to the tree during the hot season, he said.
Myint Sein, 50, said, "I came here with my family. Today is a special occasion for Buddhists. On this day, Myanmar people visit pagodas and perform good deeds like releasing fish and birds."
Tin Tin, 80, expressed, "I came to the pagoda with my family to participate in the Kason water pouring festival because today is Kason Full Moon Day, a noble day for Buddhists. I wish all the people across the country peace and prosperity."
Kason Full Moon Day, also known as Buddha Day, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha, all of which are believed to have occurred on this day. As a significant religious occasion, it draws large crowds to pagodas, temples, monasteries, and stupas across the country, where many engage in good deeds and religious observances. ■