Sunset in Mae Sot

The title says it all. This is a collection of photos shot just when the Sun is setting. 

Mae Sot Pagoda photos

Buddhism's influence in Southeast Asian nations like Thailand and Burma can be seen in the people's daily life. The culture, most specially, is influenced by the teachings of Buddha.

However, there are differences in the Pagoda's built by the peoples of these two nations.

Thai pagoda's have a small umbrella compared to those of the Burmese.

An example of such are the pagodas in Mae Sot, where Buddhists and visitors can see the difference.

Here are some of the photos of one of the Pagodas inside the city. This is a Thai Pagoda.

Celebrating Asalha Day 2013

Last Monday, Buddhists all around the globe celebrated one of the most holiest days in the religion's calendar - the Asalha Pja Day ("Dhamma Day").

According to Wikipedia, "Asalha Puja means to pay homage to the Buddha on the full moon day of the 8th lunar month (approximately July). It commemorates the Buddha's first teaching: the turning of the wheel of the Dhamma (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) to the five ascetics at the Deer Park (Sarnath) near Benares city, India. Where Kondanna, the senior ascetic attained the first level of enlightenment (the Sotapanna level of mind purity).'

I was lucky to celebrate the day with some Burmese friends and students here at Mae Sot in Tak province of Thailand. The celebration was like a fiesta. People wore their best dresses for the event, prepared their offerings and pray to their Gods.

Here are of the photos which I took during the celebration. Enjoy.