24 - AsianPhotography - http://www.asianphotographyindia.com
S
aga Dawa is called the ‘month
of merit’ for Buddhists. Dawa
means “month” in Tibetan
Language, and ‘Saga’ is the name of
a star prominent in the sky during the
fourth lunar month according to Tibetan
calendar.One of the most renowned and
biggest festivals of Sikkim, Saga Dawa
is celebrated with great enthusiasm
and intense every year. The festival is
the most signifi cant and divine for the
followers of Mahayana Buddhism who
on this auspicious occasion remembers
Lord Buddha’s birth, his achievement
of enlightenment and salvation from
this human world. For all travellers and
cultural devotee seeking a sneak-peek
into colourful Buddhist festival, Saga
Dawa render for a perfect platform
offering a visual treat of various religious
occasion and street celebrations.Saga Dawa is a highly honourable
festival of the Buddhists. The festival
arised in Tibet, perhaps the power of
the Buddhists in Sikkim marks a grand
celebration of event in the state. Also
known as the Triple Blessed Festival,
Saga Dawa is also considered as the
holiest Buddhist festival. Saga Dawa
is said to be three-fold-auspicious as
it marks Lord’s birth, enlightment and
salvation from the world. This festive day
falls on the full moon day of Buddhist
calendar.
As per the English calendar, this
festival occurs either in the end of May
or early June. It is considered that on
this day, Lord Buddha took birth in
different years of his life. He left the
human world after attaining ‘Nirvana’
or enlightenment. The important part
of Saga Dawa Festival is marked by theprocession, in which holy books contain
the teachings of Lord Buddha are
carried, from Rumtek Monastery through
the streets of Rumtek.History of the Festival
Saga Dawa marks the life of Lord
Buddha, when he was born in Lumbini
in Nepal. Early in his life, he realised that
worldly pleasures are impermanent and
he has to look for the ultimate truth. At
the age of 35, he attained ‘Nirvana’, after
meditating for several years in Sarnath,
Uttar Pradesh. Buddha, the enlightened,
left world at Kusinara, when he was- Saga Dawa marks the arrival of the
Lord, who eventually went into spiritual
bliss. Though Saga Dawa is believed
to have a history dating back to past
many centuries, its date was offi cially
originated at the fi rst conference of the
Exif Info:
Camera: Canon EOS RP
Shutter Speed: 1/400 sec
Aperture value: f/4.0
ISO: 640
Focal Length: 105.0 mm