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Burma, one of the Buddhist nations in the south East Asia, does have a socio-religious background encompassing Buddhist traditions and principles. Each month according to the Burmese calendar has some religious celebrations related to Lord Buddha’s life and activities. Waso, is the Burmese month equivalent to the Gregorian calendar of July. On the full moon day on Waso or July the Bumese celebrates the festival popularly known as the Waso festival in Burma. It symbiolizes the first sermon of Buddha that took place thousands of years back through which he tried to spread his message of peace and happiness to the mankind. The Waso festival, a popular Burmese celebration is thus an important occasion to commemorate the teachings of Lord Buddha.
It is said that on a full moon day in Waso, Lord Buddha preached his first sermon relating to Dhamma Cakka. This was the day when Lord Buddha achieved certain magical and miraculous powers. Till date this day is celebrated to commemorate the first teachings of the Lord with utmost devotion and respect. The day is marked with the beginning of the lent for the Buddhist monks for at least three months. During the Waso festival people offer flowers to the Buddhist image ushering all their devotions.
Further, Waso festival also marks the beginning of the lent period for the Buddhists. One of the most important events in the course of the Waso is the offerings of robes to the Monks which are generally worn by them at the time of retreat of the lent period. Along with the robes candles are also offered to the monks, known as the Waso candles. The Sangha also play an important part during the festival, being an important pillar of constituent of Buddhism.
Waso, thus makes an opportunity to the Buddhist living in Burma and in other parts of the world to usher their devotion to Lord Buddha and commemorate his first sermon.
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