Kason - Banyan Tree Watering Ceremony

In Myanmar,the traditional festival of pouring water on the Bohdi tree is held in Kason. Tree worship was one of the prehistoric beliefs and it was quite prevalent in Stone Ages. Later, it was passed down to early civilizations. Myanmar indigenous races have the custom of worshipping tree-god (the guardian spirit of tree) called Yokka-soe who is believed to be benovolent to humans.

On the occasion of Kason festival, it is customary practice of Myanmar Buddhists to move fish and turtles from nearby dry ponds and lakes to places where there is abundant water. This merit is regarded as a life-saving act of charity

Text by Dr Khin Maung Nyunt