Buddha's Birthday

Mongolia is a country that has practiced Buddhism for centuries (except when Russia was a strong influence and the Mongolians were more or less forced into atheism from about 1921-1992). In fact, Mongolia at one point was considered to be the most religious country on the planet as most of the men were practicing Buddhist monks.

 

Since 1992, Mongolians have been embracing their former religions (mainly Tibetan Buddhism and Shamanism) and this past weekend was no exception as many came out to celebrate Buddha's birthday.

 

I'm not a Buddhist and have never celebrated his birthday but on my walk home the other night, I certainly marveled at the fireworks and lanterns being lit and let go to float in the glowing night sky. Here are a few pictures - taken by someone else with a better camera than I have!

 

 

Some of the lanterns would burn out and come back down...into traffic. I saw a few that were still lit come down and get caught on lampposts and/or vehicles! It was also fun watching little kids (mainly  boys) chase after those that were coming back down and then try to relight them. Anywho, it was the most beautiful walk home I've experienced.