Mandalay celebrates Thadingyut with merit-making and lamp-lighting

 

ON the auspicious occasion of the Thadingyut Full Moon Day (Abhidhamma Day) yesterday, Buddhist devotees in Mandalay participated in various religious activities at significant pagodas, stupas, and monasteries throughout the city. The day was marked by offerings of flowers, water, and oil lamps in memory of the Buddha, followed by evening ceremonies of lamp lighting that illuminated the entire city.

Mandalay’s Maha Muni Buddha Image, a sacred and revered edifice, saw a large gathering of devotees early in the morning who made offerings of flowers, water, and oil lamps, as well as gold foils. Similar ceremonies took place at other prominent pagodas, including Shwekyeemyin Pagoda, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda near Mandalay Hill, and Jade Pagoda and Candamuni Pagoda. Worshippers also engaged in meditation and religious practices in the serene surroundings of these pagodas.

The traditional Buddha Pujaniya Festival continued in the evening at the Maha Thetkyamarazein Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Maha Lawkamarazein Pagoda, and Candamuni Pagoda, where thousands of devotees participated in offering alms, flowers, and electric lighting and oil lamps as acts of merit. Evening festivities were incredibly vibrant, with throngs of devotees filling the pagoda precincts.

In addition, the Mandalay Region government hosted a grand lamp-lighting ceremony featuring the lighting of 10,000 oil lamps at the southern part of the Mandalay Moat on 26th Street, stretching all the way to 66th and 73rd Streets. Streets were beautifully decorated with lights, and the event drew thousands of people from various parts of the country, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

Entertainment events were also held in front of the Mandalay City Development Committee office, where famous singers and the MCDC Band performed for the public. Additionally, charity food stalls offered refreshments, welcoming all attendees and further adding to the festive spirit.

Across Mandalay, pagodas, stupas, monasteries, and even homes were aglow with oil lamps in serene reverence for the Buddha. Children joyfully played with sparklers and traditional paper lanterns while families paid respect to their elders and teachers, reflecting Myanmar’s rich cultural and religious traditions. — MNA/KZL