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Major Festivals |
| Kason Watering Festival | |||
| Maha Myat Muni Festival | |||
Kachin Manaw FestivalKachin State has a festival known as Manaw. Kachin, the hill
people or the Scots of Myanmar, celebrate the Manaw festival. It
is one of the most popular festivals in Myanmar. The festival is
usually held in January. This festival has been held for more
than three decades. The Manaw festival is the celebration of the
New Year, victory in battles, reunion of the tribes etc.
Everybody in town joins the spiritual dance lined up behind one
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Htamane (Sticky Rice) FestivalThe Htamane festival is held between February and March, throughout the whole country. It is made of sticky rice and sesame seeds. One large pan requires 4 small baskets of sticky rice, 20 coconuts, one small basket each of peanut and sesame seeds, 4 kilo of oil, 0.32 kilo of ginger and some salt.Making of Htamane is not very easy. First the sticky rice must be soaked over night. The next day, start frying the small pieces of coconuts and other ingredients. Then pour in the soaked sticky rice into the pan. Now, we need two strong men to do the stirring of the rice until it is cooked. After preparing Htamane, it is then offered to the Buddha and is given away for free to all the visitors to the pagodas. |
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Mann Shwe Settaw Pagoda Festival is one of the most significant Pagoda festivals in Upper Myanmar. It is 36 miles from Magwe to the Mann Shwe Settaw which is also well known as Mann footprint across Ayeyawaddy river bridge, Magwe. People from the entire nation pay pilgrimage to the Pagoda but the Pagoda is mostly crowded within the festival time which is from the mid February to mid April. |
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At Mann Shwe Settaw Pagoda, you will find the upper Settawyar,
the footprint of Lord Buddha on the hill and the lower Settawyar,
another footprint of the Buddha at the foot of the same hill. One exhilarating experience you will get when visiting Mann Shwe Settaw is bathing in the cool, clean and sparkling waters of Mann Creek after you have had an exhausting day of pilgrimage. |
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To go on a trip to Mann Shwe Settaw Pagoda Festival in Central
Myanmar which is like an oasis in an arid zone, you will
experience the feeling for a place.
Which gives you respite from the torrid heat and at the same time, experience the pilgrimage to a sacred and holy place of Myanmar. |
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It is the season where water in all ponds, lakes and creeks reduces to its lowest level. During the month of Kason the length of the day is longer and the night is shorter. People of Myanmar regard the month of Kason as Taurus season and the sign of the zodiac is a bull. The seasonal flower is Sagar and this festival is water pouring ceremony at the Maha-Bodhi tree, the holy Banyan tree at the foot of which the Buddha attained enlightenment. As the month of Kason is at the middle of the hot reason, the earth is dry and people pour water at the Maha-Bodhi tree to make sure it does not die of drought during the hot summer. This has become an integral part of Myanmar culture and on every full-moon day of Kason, the Buddhist people would march in a grand procession to the Bodhi tree or to the pagodas to pour scented water. |
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Thadingyut is the seventh month of the Myanmar calendar and the
end of lent. Three days of lights festival, namely the day
before full moon, the full moon day and the days after.
Illuminations are there to celebrate the anniversary of Buddha's
return from the celestial abode where he had spent the lent
teaching the celestials about his law. Among the gods was the one who was the mother of Buddha, reborn there. It was on the full moon day of Thadingyut month that Buddha descended to the abode of humans. He and his disciples were attended by a heavenly host of celestials who created a pathway of star ladder. Buddhist on earth illuminated the homes and streets to welcome Buddha and his disciples. |
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Matho Thingan (Yellow Robe) Weaving Festival
She wanted to provide the yellow robes of the monk and she had only a night’s time. But she had it woven in a single night and offered to the Prince (Siddhata) by a celestial messenger. In commemoration of this event weaving competitions of yellow robes are held all over the country. |
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Ananda Temple is a Buddhist temple built in 1091 during the reign of King Kyanzittha. It is located in Bagan, Myanmar. The name Ananda comes from the name of Buddha's cousin, although it was once known as Ananta Temple, coming from the phrase ananta pinya, which translates as 'endless wisdom'. The temple adapted Indian architectural styles. The temple houses four standing Buddhas, which are adorned with gold leaf, with each facing a direction, from north to south. The temple itself is shaped similar to a cross, with several terraces leading to the top, which terminates with a small pagoda and an umbrella (hti). Along the sides of the terraces and the base of the temple are terra cotta tiles illustrating scenes from the Jataka. Also, there is a shrine of Kyanzittha and Shin Arahan. The temple is also home to an annual festival that is held during the month of Pyahto (December to January). Symbolizing the limitless wisdom of Buddha, there is a month long sanctified festival for the temple Ananda. The busiest day of the festival is on the full-moon day of the lunar month. Villagers and pilgrims around Bagan roll in the sacred site of Ananda for the consecration.This is also the best time to see not only the ritual of Buddhists but the festival is also meant for social gathering, reunification, propagation and perpetuation of the religion that is Buddhism. During the festival, walk around in sea of vendors and shops that sell traditional Myanmar food-staff and enjoy the local atmosphere in locality. |
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This festival falls on the full moon day of Thabodwe (January - February). This festival usually lasts for 2 days. Glutinous rice (which is a delicacy) contests are also held on the pagoda's platform. A variety of incense sticks are burnt for the Myanmar Buddha image on the full moon day. The centrepiece of the festival is the highly venerated Mahamuni Image. Thousands of people from near and far make pilgrimages to Mahamuni Pagoda and incenses are burnt in large flame in symbolic of offering heat to the great image. The Image is thronged by many worshippers during the festival and caretakers have to installed tele monitors in four cardinal points of the complex in order for worshippers to pay their homage through tele monitors to the Image. Locals from far and near come to pay homage and respect to the Buddha image and enjoy the festival. Many street vendors sell Thanaka, Myanmar made toys, Mandalay food and much more. It is very crowded in the Pagoda's compound. |
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The Kakku Pagoda festival occurs on the full moon day of Tabaung (March) which is the last month of the Myanmar lunar calendar, Normally the festival begins two or three days in advance for this is not just a religious festival but also a social occasion. It is the time for all to have fun, exchange news and gossips, to trade. For the younger set it is the time to meet their friends from other villages or the boys to fall in love with the girls. The unique feature of this Pagoda festival is alms offering by the native Pa O people dressed in their traditional outfits. Some people arrive in bullock carts while others arrive by more modern conveyances, such as on the village tractor.But the most interesting time to visit this place is to get there before dawn of the full moon day of Tabaung where the Pa O people in all their finery come with gaily decorated trays bearing morning food offerings. |
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Dancing Elephant Festival is also another famous festival in
Myanmar. It is held in Kyaukse, near Mandalay. It is a
marvellous performance of two men together to dance in rhythm. A
huge elephant figure is made from bamboo and paper. Men take
their places inside the figure and dance around the town to the
accompaniment of Dobat and Drums. The elephant dancers circles three times at the foot of the hill to pay homage to the Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda. It is a dance that requires precise rhythm and timing in order for the elephant dancers to maintain unity inside the elephant figure. People from far and near come to visit Kyaukse and watch the elephant dance. |
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The Hot Air Balloon Festival (aka Tazaungdaing Festival) is held around November each year and can vary according to the lunar calendar in Taunggyi, Shan State. On this occasion people enjoy fun and merriment by holding firework-launching competitions. The firework is in the form of rockets. There is also hot balloons competitions held during the day and night. Day balloons are usually in the form of Pagodas, and animals such as elephant, dragon or ducks while the night balloons usually in the shape of rugby ball, huge elongated paper balls with small lighted multi-coloured paper lanterns hung around their sides and balloons would sting along fireworks and fire sticks which are set off mid-air fireworks. |
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The Salone festival is usually held during the month of February. The festival is at Majungalet Village on Bocho Island near Lampi Island in Myeik, Tanintharyi Division. It is celebrated every year, to promote tourism in acquaintance with Salone and Myeik Archipelago as one of the tourism attractions for International Market. You will witness traditional and spiritual dances, diving competitions and a fascinating way of life. There are also rowing competitions, folk singing and a traditional Salone feast. The Salone people, or sea gypsies, live nomadic sea lives for seven months of the year, living off their ingenuity and the resources of the ocean. Encountering this chance be a rare opportunity. |
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Thanaka is a cream or make up obtained by grinding Thanaka
tree's bark. Females use it as a protection against heat as well
as a decoration. However, it is not unusual to see males also
wearing them. Thanaka grinding event in Sittwe is a traditional
event held on the eve of Water Festival i.e. Thingyan. (April) |
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Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is one of the famous principal shrines in Myanmar. This pagoda houses five small Buddha images. Once a year, around the end of September to early October, there is a pagoda festival during which the five Buddha images are rowed around the lake in a colourful barge. Situated in Inle Lake, one of the most dazzling and magical places in Asia. It is held on a grand scale for 18 days, usually falls in October. Four Buddha Images out of five from Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda are carried on royal barge and conveyed around to 14 villages on the Lake. The barge is towed by the boats of leg rowers and hundreds of boats follow the procession. The large crowds of people gather on the lake-shores to celebrate the occasion |
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Taung Byone Nat (Pwe) Festival A village of Taung Byone is 20 km (13 miles) north of Mandalay. The festival is held every year around July-August in commemoration of the two brothers who were executed by King Anawratha in 11th century. They were believed to become ‘Nats” (spiritual beings) and believers from all over the country gathered at Taung Byone village during festival. There is lots of music, ceremonial dances, consultation with shamans, mediums and Pwes (staged cultural dance). The Nats are believed to be super natural powerful beings, stated between the gods and the spiritual beings. Most of the Myanmar people worship the Nats as a religious belief. The Nat Pwe is usually held for three days. The first day is for the Summoning the Nats. The second day is the Nats' feast. The third is the day for the Nats' departure. Devotees from all over Myanmar, comes to this special festival and offer their donations and enjoy themselves with the blessings of the spirits, every year. They pray for prosperity, fame, and luck for the next coming year. Mount Popa is a vast volcanic mountain that overwhelms the flat landscape. Mount Popa is located near Bagan and it has many legendary stories about the spirits (Nats) of today. This annual festival is known as Taung Byone festival, it is usually held during the month of August. The Nats are believed to be super natural powerful beings, stated between the gods and the spiritual beings. The Burmese still worship them vigorously, and believe that the Nats can bring luck and prosperity to the worshippers and can also bring danger to those who do not respect them. The word "Nat" is unclear. It may be derive from the Hindu Natha which means lord, savior or protector. The Festivals perform the following 1. Preparation for the Ritual 2. The Offerings 3. The Orchestra 4. The Possession |
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Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda also known as Golden Rock is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site in Mon State approximately 60 km East of Bago. Believers claim that the large boulder was placed on the cliff 2500 years ago, by two Nats (Burmese spirits). Atop the gilded boulder is a 5.5 m (18 ft) pagoda, which is believed to contain a hair of Buddha. The pagoda is located on Mt. Kyaikhtiyo, and requires a 16 km (10 mi) hike. However, the usage of jeeps has made the trip easier. The boulder is covered with layers of gold leaf and is a large boulder of granite, which is supported by an extremely small area of contact with the rock beneath. It seems to be just before falling down, but it has been lying there for hundreds of years already. Women are not allowed to touch the boulder, nor are they allowed to be within proximity of the pagoda. It is one of the most sacred places in Myanmar The Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda Festival is a special festival of lights celebration. On the Full Moon Day of Thadingyut, locals offer the lighting of 9000 candles and 9000 flowers to the Buddha. On the next morning, rice, sweets and other snacks are offered. The platform and passage of the pagoda are usually filled with visitors from all over the country. Tourists also find the golden rock pagoda magnificent. Thadingyut usually falls in October, depending on the lunar calendar. At such a time, the weather is cold up on the mountain. |
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Numerous Naga tribes spread throughout the north-western hills of Myanmar. Most of the Naga are from the Chin State, but the festival place falls in the Sagaing Division, next to the Chin State. There are 64 clans of the Naga tribe. The Naga festival is social, but it is also to exchange previous year experiences, to make plans for the coming year and to discuss how to overcome difficulties. They pray for abundant crops and domestic animals and to have good weather. Other aspects of this festival are the reunion of relatives, who are away from home. They worship to their Gods by sacrificing the animals. The festival is usually held in January. |
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Pindaya is located about 45 km from Kalaw and is well known for its extensive limestone caves. The caves are set deep in the hillsides and there stands at the entrance, a 15 metre high Shwe U Min Pagoda. There are some 8000 Buddha images made from alabaster, teak, marble, brick, lacquer and cement. Among the more unusual features in the cave is a set of stalagmites that can be struck with large wooden mallets to produce gong tone. The Pindaya Shwe U (Oo) Min cave Pagoda festival is held on and around the full moon day of Tabaung. It starts seven days before the full moon day. During the festival time, thousands of devotees come from villages around the area to the cave. A kind of pagoda mall is set up at the foot of the hill under big shady Banyan trees to sell local products. |
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The Regatta Festival on Kandawgyi or Royal lake When Myanmar was a monarchy, the Royal Regatta Festival was held in the month of Thawthalin (late September) and it remains one of the twelve monthly festivals in the Myanmar calendar. In those days the King of Myanmar (Burma) and his entire court attended the regatta festivals, with the Royal barge often heading the other boats as they proceeded down the river in regal splendour. Music and song filled the air, for the festival on those occasions was not only held for the entertainment of the Royal family, but also to evaluate the competitors as potential recruits for the King's Navy races. The Regatta Festivals provided the opportunity for Myanmar's Kings to reward and recognize the skills of their troops and to review the strength of the Naval Forces. For the spectators, the Royal races during the festival were an occasion to cheer and encourage their favourite teams. Chronicles show that the Royal regatta festivals were held in Myanmar (Burma) by eleven monarchs beginning with King Anaukphetlun (1605-28) and ending with King Thibaw. However, it seems quite likely the every Myanmar King hosted Regatta festivals during their respective reigns. This major National event is held in Kandawgyi Lake, just east of Shwedagon Pagoda Yangon. The opening and closing ceremonies are grand spectacles featuring a resplendent Royal barge, war boats with oarsmen, warriors in traditional costumes, decorated floating platforms with stage, screen, TV stars and dances of the Indigenous races. |
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The Shwesayan Pagoda is on the bank of Dothtawady River originating in the Shan Plateau. The Pagoda locates about six miles from Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin motorway in Patheingyi Township, Mandalay Division. It was built by Saw Mon Hla, a queen of King Anawratha, of the Bagan Era. Here we can observe the ten jatakas (ten lives of Lord Buddha before attaining enlightenment) depicted on wall paintings of Hpokala Pagoda in the precinct of the Shwesayan Pagoda. The grand Pagoda festival is held yearly from the full moon day of Tabaung (February - March) to the 10th disappearing moon. Visitors from various parts of Myanmar participate in the festival. They arrive there by travelling along the Dothtawady River by motorboats and sampans and some visitors by cart convoy, by motor cars as well as horse cart. Some of the visitors rest for the night at the Pagoda. The full moon day of Tabaung is the most significant day of the festival. There are fairs on the pagoda platform and at the foot of the pagoda is thronged with shoppers. Colourful beads necklace and various toys made of toddy leaves are instantly manufactured at the fair place for sale. Inner tender leaves of the toddy tree are dyed in different colours and then manufactured as necklaces with beads which are enjoyed by youths and children. Delicacies from upper Myanmar and regional products are also on sale at the pagoda fair. Some Shan nationals carry their regional products and put on sale at the fair. The pagoda fair is thronged with sellers and buyers of consumer goods. Another extraordinary scene of the festival is youths and children with toddy leaf beads on their necks dousing water and playing joyfully in the cool water of the Dothtawady River. Water dousing and playing in the knee-deep river gives them mental and physical refreshment. |
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