Festivals In Myanmar
January
Kachin Manaw Festival
The Du was celebrate a sacrificing-cum dancing best known as Manua
to propitiate or exercise numerous. Nat (spirits) the spectacular
carnival held in every January is the festival to celebrate a
victory or achievement where the young and old, the great and simple
gather in true community spirit.
Ananda Pagoda Festival
Location : Ananda, Bagan.
23 day festival. Bowls of alms filled with donated items are offered
to monks who all wait in a long line. Pilgrimage and holiday outings
on country bullock carts can be seen.
Mahamuni Pagoda Festival
Location : Mahamuni precinct, Mandalay.
Glutinous rice delicacy contests are held late on 14th waxing day.
On the morning of 15th waxing day, incense is burnt in large flames
in symbolic of offering heat to the great image.
Naga New Year Festival
Location : Khamti, Lahe, Lashi (Sagaing)
The authentic Naga Hill Tribes (about 68 different groups) wear
their respective traditional costumes to participate this important
festival. They worship to their deities by scarifying the animals.
Their traditional dance, martial music and cults of animism are
unique and interesting. The festival days are 14 & 15 of January
February
Mawtinsun Pagoda Festival
Location : Pagoda point, Pathein
15 day festival. Pilgrimage and recreation go together at this
seashore. Long and secluded beach stretch between pagoda point and
cape Negrais is haven both for beach lovers and beach bums alike.
Indawgyi Pagoda Festival
Location : Moe Nyin, Kachin State
8 day ceremony. The ceremony is sponsored by Kachin Buddhists. In
summer, a footpath leading to the pagoda surfaces enabling pilgrims
to walk to the pagoda. Usually the pagoda is surrounded by a large
volume of water, in the Indawgyi Lake.
March
Shwemawday Pagoda Festival
Location : Bago
13 day ceremony. Theatrical artists perform on stage with full force
to show, their competitive edge over their counterparts and to win
future performance.
April
Thingyan Water Festival
The festival is held prior to Myanmar New year to clean away
evil deeds of the past year with water. Youths go out for enjoyment
while elders take retreat in monasteries and pagoda precincts to
perform meritorious deeds
Myanmar New Year’s Day
Location : throughout the country.
Buddhists young and old alike, spend the day performing meritorious
deeds such as releasing animals, offering to monks, paying homage to
elder, etc..
Popa Nats or Spirit Festival
Location : Mt. Popa
During Thingyan, pilgrim from all over the country pay respect to
Mt. Popa Nat Shrines.
May
Kason Fullmoon festival or watering of the sacred Bo Tree Festival
Location : throughout the country
Buddha’s birthday is commemorated by pouring water onto the sacred
Bo Tree.
August
Taungbyone Nats or Spirits Festival
Location : Taung byone, Mandalay
6 day ceremony. Held for worshipping two Taung Byone spiritral
figures. Major gathering spot for spiritual medium. Spiritual dances
are rempant.
Thadingyut Festival or Festival of light
Location : Throughout the country
3 days festival. To make the day Lord Buddha came down from the
celestial Abode after spending 3 months of the Buddhist Lord there.
Buddha’s return is remembered and commemorated throughout the
country with colorful illuminations.
Shwezigon Pagoda Festival
Location : Nyaung U (Bagan)
23 day festival. Candle lights and fireworks are carried in
procession before offering to the pagoda.
November
Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock) Festival
Location : Kyaikhto, Mon State
Approximate 9 month long season. The boulder standing on the edge of
a peak in the highest mountain range, is said to be freely hanging
over the cliff. Famous as pilgrimage and holiday outing spot.
 Hot-Air
Balloons Festival
Location : Taunggyi, Shan State.
6 days festival. Typical Pa-oh festival. Hot-Air Balloons are
released day and night, competing over their beauty and the altitude
they gain. Day time flying is meant for competition of animal
figures and night time is for beautiful fireworks.
December
Kayin New Year Day
Location : Pha-an in Kayin State and Arlain Ngarsint in
Yangon.Speeches by Kayin elders followed by group dances.
Christmas Day
Location : Among Christian community in Yangon and others.
Christianity is the second largest religion in Myanmar after
Buddhism.
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