March - Tabaung
Tabaung
is the last month of Burmese calendar falls
in March. Days are getting worm. Tabaung is month of pagoda
festival. The harvest is safely home and people can look
forward to leisurely days of enjoyments. A festival marks
each month of the Burmese calendar and the building of sand
stupas marks Tabaung. Not content with having festivals in
honour of the existing local pagodas, people have to build
pagodas of theirown, even if they are only for a short time
could be in good shape.
Tabaung Festival
The Month of Tabaung is the last month in the Myanmar
Calendar. The
first 15 days are still cool because the cool season has not
ended yet. But the latter 15 days become hot as summer
season enters. According to Myanmar Saying, it is hot during
daytime and cool during night time.
It is also said that toddy juice from toddy palm trees are
collected and boiled in large pots. Boiling of toddy juice
is spoken as " Htan- baung" in Myanmar so that this month is
known as the month Tabaung and later became Tabaung month.
According to Myanmar astrology, the month is "Mein Yarthi"
or Pisces with two fishes as its symbol. The seasonal flower
is Tharaphi. During this season, the rivers ebb and many
sand bars emerged.
In ancient time, people held festivals on the River bank at
which zedis (Stupa) made of sand are built. This month is
characterized by seasonal changes and you can observe the
trees turning their leaves. It is so beautiful and
refreshing to see the new leaves sprout on trees in pleasant
surroundings.
In Yangon, the Tabaung Festival is held merrily every year
at the Shwedagon Pagoda. The alms-giving ceremony for the
honoured Sayadaws (Buddhist monks) is held on the morning of
Full Moon Day of Tabaung. The alms-giving and donation
ceremonies were held on March. The Full Moon Day of Tabaung
is the delight of merit-offering Myanmar Buddhists.
Shwedagon Pagoda festival
One of the highlights of the season in Yangon is the
Shwedagon Pagoda festival.
Inn-Daw-Gyi Pagoda festival
Located in northern part of Myanmar and situated on the
Indawgyi Lake which is the biggest natural lake in Myanmar.
In summer, a footpath leading to the pagoda surfaces
enabling pilgrims to walk to the pagoda. Usually a large
volume of water surrounds the pagoda.
Kek-Ku Pagoda festival
Located near Taunggyi in Shan States. Traditional
performance of Pa-O dance and singing contest are included.
Nan Pan Village Ceremony
Located in Inle Lake. Nan Pan is a famous village for market
day. The sight of numerous monks who come in boats and
receive food offering is striking.
