[:en](Yangon, Myanmar 16 May 2016) – MPT, Myanmar’s first and leading telecoms company will celebrate Kason Full Moon day by donating shawls to pilgrims who visit the Shitthaung Pagoda up in northern Rakhine, from 9am on Saturday 21^st May.

The Full Moon Day of Kason is a day of three-fold significance as it is the Day the Buddha was born, the day He attained enlightenment and the day of His demise. This highly auspicious day, men and women of all ages across Myanmar, will go to pagodas in procession to pour water at the root of the sacred ‘Bo-Tree’ or ‘Bodhi’ tree under which Buddha attained Enlightenment.

Up in the Myauk-U of northern Rakhine state, it is the Shitthaung Pagoda where MPT will celebrate Kason Full Moon Day by participating in the Shitthaung Pagoda Festival.  Starting from the 21^st until the 25^th May, the country’s leading telecoms company will not only be there to donate shawls to the pilgrims, but they will also provide fun and entertainment for its most valued customers with a range of promotions, games, magic shows, dancers and gifts.  The activities will start from 4:00pm until 11:00pm each day.

Called by the people, Minbargyi, the Shitthaung or “temple of the 80,000 Buddhas” is an ancient temple located about half a mile to the north of the palace site and was built by one of the most powerful kings of the Myauk-U Dynasty. The Shitthaung Pagoda Festival is held at the pagoda’s precincts in Myauk-U, Rakhine State every year around the full moon day of Kason.

Mr. Koichi Kawase, Chief Commercial Officer of MPT-KSGM Joint Operation, said: “As the leading national telecom service provider, we are privileged to have the opportunity to reach out to all corners of Myanmar and partake in the country’s cultural events. Providing the people of Myanmar with shawls and fun activities for the Full Moon Day of Kason, allows MPT to get closer to the Myanmar people and focus not only on our service and promotions but also on the happiness of our customers.”

This is not the first time that MPT have supported those living in the Rakhine state. Back in July 2015, MPT provided relief when Cyclone Komen brought heavy rain, floods and landslides to the area. They have also assisted with the Flood Disasters Relief and Support Victims, as well donating to the Sittwe Clock Tower renovation.[:]