Flowers and Festivals In Myanmar (Burma)

July! The Lenten Season

Meaning of this month
July is coincided with Waso , the fourth month of the Myanmar calendar, marks the beginning of the Lenten season.
It is a time for sobriety, self-denial and religious contemplation. Marriages are taboo during the lent. Buddhist lent in Pali is called " Wa" – Waso means "to take vow".

Activities in Waso
The Wa vow taking by monks at monasteries is a festive occasion for lay devotees to ceremonially hold Waso robe offering to the monks. The real function of this month is ordination. Though ordination can be held in any month, it is in Waso that ordination on a festive scale takes place. The full moon of Waso month is the anniversary of the Buddhist first sermon to the five recluses in the Deer Park migadawuna. In Myanmar the full moon day of Waso is designated " Damasakka Day " which is observed by holding group recitation of Damasakka at the religious centers. Waso traditions have long been maintained and observed by Myanmar people. Thus the full moon day of Waso (or) " Damasakka Day " is one of the Myanmar traditional religious festivals.

Religious Event in This Month
In this month of Nayon, scriptural examinations for monks and nuns are held. The lay people, mindful of the service of the monks and their life-long dedication to the study of the Buddha's teachings, do their best to supply the comforts and amenities of the candidates. It is necessary to offer daily alms food to those who come from other towns to the examination centers. Apart from written examination, there are those where the candidates have to recite all the scriptures by rote. It is a tremendous undertaking to commit to memory all the Buddha's discourse, known as the Three Baskets of Learning. There is a few monks who pass the recitation tests and those who do are showered with honors and gifts. The highest religious title of this examination is "Tipitakadara Title". Please, if one who wants to study the Buddhism and this examination, visit our country in the month of June.
 

"COME AND TASTE OUR RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL"