ON the occasion of the Thadingyut Full Moon Day (Abhidhamma Day) yesterday, Buddhist devotees across the country engaged in various religious activities at pagodas and stupas. Offerings of alms, flowers, water, and oil lamps were made in reverence, accompanied by the observance of Sīla (precepts) and meditation.
In the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, prominent pagodas and stupas saw large gatherings of worshippers observing traditional Buddhist customs. The day’s events included offerings at Letloktaung, Shwenanthwin Pagoda, Shwelwantaung Pagoda, Nayyaungpya Inn Pagoda, and other notable pagodas across Dekkhinathiri, Lewe, Pyinmana, and Ottarathiri townships. Devotees performed acts of merit-making by offering flowers, water, and oil lamps in devotion to the Lord Buddha and by observing the Eight Precepts.
In the evening, a grand ceremony was held at the Buddha Park in Dekkhinathiri Township, featuring the lighting of 9,000 oil lamps in homage to the Maravijaya Buddha Image, one of the most revered and tallest Buddha images in the country. The event, organized by the Nay Pyi Taw Council, attracted a large number of devotees. Hot-air balloons were also released as part of the celebration.
Similarly, special ceremonies took place at Uppatasanti Pagoda in the morning, drawing a significant turnout of devotees from Nay Pyi Taw and neighbouring areas. These ceremonies also included the lighting of oil lamps in the evening as an act of devotion.
Elsewhere in Nay Pyi Taw, popular venues such as Ocean Super Centre, Junction Centre, and the Nay Pyi Taw Wholesale Market were crowded with shoppers. Meanwhile, Mingala Lake Park, Nay Pyi Taw Fountain Garden, the National Landmarks Garden, and the Nay Pyi Taw Zoological Gardens were filled with visitors enjoying the holiday festivities.
In addition, the Thadingyut Music Concert and Night Market are being held at the Nay Pyi Taw Fountain Garden, where traditional Myanmar food and various other local dishes are being sold. Entertainment programmes featuring famous singers, DJs, and music bands delighted audiences with popular songs. The public participated peacefully and joyfully, and the event was especially crowded with visitors. — Min Kyaw Swa/MKKS
