Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

http://english.dvb.no/news.php?id=5764

On October 17, 2005 the Democratic Voice of Burma reported, "Burmese Buddhist festival Abidama Day (Thadingyut Festival) was held for the first time in Norway at an old people home in Sorasund on 17 October. The event was attended by around 50 Burmese Buddhist refugees led by elected representative Bo Thaung and 30 Norwegian friends. The religious ceremony was performed by Reverend Withudi who expressed his joy at the successful celebration of the festival for the first time despite difficulties, and thanked all those who helped the event to happen. The celebrants offered oil lamps to Lord Buddha, listened to the sermons of the monks and paid their obeisance to old folks. A similar ceremony was held by Burmese tsunami victims in southern Thailand at Phuket District."