Myanmar Festivals 2008
Festivals in January:
ANANDA PAGODA FESTIVAL, Bagan
Jan. 15 – 24, 2008
There are evening entertainments such as Zats: a variety of
dance, song, short and long plays, Anyeints: a performance
of a few hours in which number of jokers caricature current
situations and or person strung together by a traditional
dancer, popular movies shown in open air. It is also a
popular sales fair where all kinds of goods, some of them
are locally produced, are sold. The most interesting aspect
of this festival is the caravan of bullock-carts in the
pagoda compound, camp under the shady trees. It is very
crowded around the full moon day, 18 -22 January 2008.
KACHIN MANAW FESTIVAL, Myitkyina
Jan. 09 – 10, 2008
Kachin State day is on 10 Jan. They festival will be held
one day ahead of State day. But they celebrate once in 4th
year or 10th year. Please check with us whether celebrate or
not.
NAR-GA NEW YEAR'S FESTIVAL, Chin State
Jan. 14 - 16, 2008
In Kham-Ti or the surrounding villages of Kham-Ti, Nar-ga
festivals are held from Jan. 14 to 16. On 14th, an opening
ceremony is held in the morning and in the evening there is
traditional dance with bonfires. On New Year day they have a
competition of traditional sports, and gathering of sub
tribes of Narga, once fierce warriors in their bright and
exotic dresses, celebrate with rice wine roasted meat and
tribal dances performed with loud beating of drums.
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Festivals in February:
MAHAMUNI PAGODA FESTIVAL, Mandalay
Feb. 07 - 29, 2008
Falls on the full moon day of the Myanmar month of Thabodwe.
This festival usually lasts for 14 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 (21 Feb.). During
this festival thousand of people from all over the country
make the pilgrimage to the Mahamuni Pagoda. The temple is
always the center of activities and during this festival it
explodes with energy. Evening entertainment such as Zats (a
variety of dance, song and short & long plays), Anyeints (a
performance of a few hours in which a number of “jokers”
(usually four) caricature current situations and /or persons
strung together by a traditional dancer) and popular movies
shown in open air. In the day time, there are many stalls
selling various kinds of Myanmar snacks displayed in
continuous rows of long tables.
GOLDEN HILLTOP FESTIVAL, Kyaik Khauk Pagoda
Feb. 16 - 22, 2008
The atmosphere at the Festival of the Golden Hilltop of
Kyaik Khauk Pagoda is similar to a fun fair. A multitude of
stalls are offering local foods, ceramic and clay pots of
all sizes, furniture and bamboo mats. Most of the pagoda
festival has evening entertainments such as Zats, Anyeints,
some stage show and movies shown in the open air the whole
night for every day. Villagers nearby come to the festival
by ox-carts, which can be seen just before and on full moon
day (21 Feb.).
NYAN TAW PAGODA FESTIVAL (Shwe Myin Tin Pagoda),
Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin)
Feb. 13 - 21, 2008
Similar to most of the pagoda festivals with most of the
ingredients as in the Mahamuni Pagoda Festival. It is a
famous pagoda festival in Maymyo. In addition, you can
observe several Shan and other ethnic groups who come from
the hills to sell their products.
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Festivals in March:
SHWE SARYAN PAGODA FESTIVAL, Shwe Saryan Village,
Patheingyi, Mandalay
March 13 – 22, 2008
45 minutes drive form Mandalay on the way to Maymyo (near
Hton Bo), You can also take a small boat on the Douhtawaddy
River and visit the pagodas nearby, Myanmar traditional
toys, boxes, baskets, mats made of dried toddy palm leaves
are the best selling village products in this festival.
INDAWGYI FESTIVAL, Hopin, near Myitkina
March 14 – 21, 2008
Ca. 100 miles far from Myintkyina. Approx. Five hours drive
up to Indawgyi. This festival is held yearly for ten days.
One intriguing fact is that two sandbanks are washed up by
the waves before the festival begins so that people can walk
from the bank to the pagoda. People believe that one is for
human use and the other is a passage for the gods. These two
sandbanks disappear into the lake shortly after the
festival.
BAW-GYO FESTIVAL, near Hsipaw / Shan State
Mar. 16 - 21, 2008
Once a year, only during the festival days, the locked up
“four Buddha images” are brought out for display, worship
and gilding with gold leaf. We can see tea-growing Palaung
tribes from the hills and jewelers from Kyauk Me who try and
sell their products there. Many kinds of gambling are
allowed during the festival days only.
KEKKU PAGODA FESTIVAL, Pindaya
Mar. 21 - 23, 2008
On the full moon day (21 Mar) Alms offering is carried out
by the native (Pa-O) people dressed in their traditional
black out fits. There is the festival market also.
PINDAYA CAVE FESTIVAL, Pindaya
Mar. 21 - 23, 2008
During the festival at the Shwe Oo Min Pagoda Cave in
Pindaya thousands of devotees throng the cave to pay homage
to the pagoda. You will find hundreds of small stalls
selling delicious local foods, Shan handicrafts, all kinds
of cheroots (Myanmar cigars), Shan umbrellas, and, and, and…
Tribes from all over Shan State join this festivity in their
colourful costumes.
NAY WIN TAUNG PAGODA FESTIVAL, Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin)
Mar. 21, 2008
Same as Nyan Taw Pagoda Festival. Traditional Shan festival.
It takes place in the northern part of Maymyo, about an
hour’s drive from the downtown area.
MAUNG DONG NAT FESTIVAL, Monywa
Mar. 26 – April 05, 2008
This festival is known to be the most important gathering of
witches imaginable. According to the legend, Ye Kin Kadaw,
the Queen of the Witches, the favourite wife of King Taung
U, had extraordinary powers. The king sent her into exile,
as his other wifes did not like her supernatural power. She
went to Maung Dong, where she got drowned. Her oldest
statue, only 30 centimeters high, can thus be found in Maung
Dong. During this festival all 37 kinds of nats will be
placed in a shrine, devotees offering them bunches of
bananas, green coconuts, betel leaves, colourful
arrangements of flowers and ‘money bouquets’.
AH-LONE FESTIVAL
Mar. 30 – April 05, 2008
On the Shwe Bo Road, twelve kilometers north of Monywa, the
town of Ah-Lone celebrates its festival in March. The
heroine of this festival is Ma Ngwe Daung (Ms. Silver Wings)
who was a daughter of the Ah-Lone Bodaw, a minor Indian
prince who came through Tamu and Kaleitmyo to Myanmar. The
celebration of this festival is related to the love story of
Ma Ngwe Daung. During the festival the pilgrims appeal to Ma
Ngwe Daung to give them the opportunity to have as many
mistresses as hairs on their head. The festival appeals also
to pilgrims wishing to control or to spirit away illness
with the lustral waters on offer there.
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Festivals in April:
SHWEMAWDAW PAGODA FESTIVAL, Bago
Apr. 15 – 24, 2008
Same with the other pagoda festival. There are evening
entertainment such as Zats, Anyeints, stage show and also a
popular sales fair where all kinds of goods, most of them
are clothes, toys & kitchen supplies. (not expensive one)
THINGYAN WATER FESTIVAL Throughout Myanmar
Apr. 12 - 16, 2008
The Burmese New Year will be celebrated in April and
everybody joins in the fun of dousing each other with water.
Youths go out for the enjoyment, while elder people take
retreat in monasteries and pagodas to perform meritorious
deeds.
One cannot avoid of getting very wet because every one
throws water at everybody. People drive through the city in
open cars and there are stages along the street where people
throw water. During this time, everything is closed:
restaurants, shops, markets, Museum, etc.
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Festivals in May:
POPA CEREMONY, Mt. Popa
May 04, 2008
Nat dances on Mt. Popa. Very crowded and difficult to get up
the mountain.
SAND STUPA FESTIVAL, Pa Le Ngwe Yaung / Mandalay
May 14 - 19, 2008
In three different Mandalay quarters stupas are built with
sand within 01 night. Sand stupas are built up with five
segments gradually converging to the top. Each layer of
white sand is supported by bamboo-mats and -posts. The
celebration dates are not the same and depend on the
different quarters where the festival is held.
SHITE-THAUNG PAGODA FESTIVAL, Mrauk Oo
May 16 - 19, 2008
This pagoda festival will be held on 3rd (Full moon day) as
same as the others pagoda festival but they have one exiting
thing is they have traditional boxing show.
SHWE KYET YET EVENT, Amarapura
May 18 - 19, 2008
Crowded with people pouring water to the sacred Bo tree.
SAND STUPA FESTIVAL, Min Thar Su Quarter / Mandalay
May 19 - 22, 2008
In three different Mandalay quarters stupas are built with
sand within 01 night. Sand stupas are built up with five
segments gradually converging to the top. Each layer of
white sand is supported by bamboo-mats and -posts. The
celebration dates are not the same and depend on the
different quarters where the festival is held.
SAND STUPA FESTIVAL, Yahai Quarter / Mandalay
May 19, 2008
In three different Mandalay quarters stupas are built with
sand within 01 night. Sand stupas are built up with five
segments gradually converging to the top. Each layer of
white sand is supported by bamboo-mats and -posts. The
celebration dates are not the same and depend on the
different quarters where the festival is held.
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Festivals in June:
THIHOSHIN PAGODA FESTIVAL, Pakokku
June 13 - 18, 2006
There is festival market and also evening entertainments
such as Zats, Anyeints and Movies.
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Festivals in July:
CHIN LONE FESTIVAL, Mahamuni / Mandalay
July 08 – 18, 2008
Chin Lone (Cane Ball) tournament held in Mandalay. It is
used to held in Mahamuni Pagoda compound almost a month for
every day and night. Cane ball players from all over the
country come up to Mandalay to enjoy this festival. We can
enjoy to see several ways of playing Chin Lone and racing by
either team or individual together with local / folk music
played while entertaining the audience.
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Festivals in August:
SHWE KYUN PIN NAT PWE MINGUN (NAT FESTIVAL IN MINGUN),
Mandalay
Aug. 03 – 06, 2008
During the Myanmar month of Tabaung. According to the
legend, the youngest brother of King Mindon fomented a
rebellion and succeeded in ousting the Sawbawa of Hsipaw.
Several of his six children got killed in this confrontation
and Mindon’s brother did not rest until he eliminated all
potential successors of Sabawa of Hsipaw. One day his two
surviving children were struck by a teak trunk and drowned
in the Shweli River at Thit Maik Myun while attending a boat
race. Their mother died from heartbreak about this loss. The
‘Pagoda of Despair’ (Lwan Hpaya) was built at this place.
Since then, the children were declared to be nats and thus
became the keepers of the river. After harvest time,
hundreds of farmers, wearing colourful dresses, arrive with
their beautifully decorated bullock carts at the Myatheindan
Pagoda. They build a big tent as temporary housing for the
nat images. During these days the mediums perform Nat Dances
in order to be granted a good harvest for the next season
and to the delight of hundreds of spectators.
SHWE KYUN PIN FESTIVAL, Mingun / Mandalay
Aug. 03 - 06, 2008
Regional Nat festival. Can observe several kinds to ceramic
wares from Sagaing and Kyaukmyaung are laid out at the bank
of river for sale during the festival.
TAUNG BYONE NAT FESTIVAL, Taung Byone village near
Mandalay
Aug. 03 - 16, 2008
This festival is known as the major gathering spot for
spiritual mediums. According to the legend, Byat Wi and Byat
Ta, two Indian brothers, got extraordinary powers after they
ate the body of a dead alchemist. Byat Wi, the older
brother, lost his supernatural power, after he walked under
a clothesline on which women's skirts used in childbed had
been hung. He was captured and died after his loved ones
offered him a quid of betel and a cup of water. Byat Ta was
killed by King Anawrahta's magical lance, after he was again
late to bring the fresh flowers from Mt. Popa for the Royal
Audience, and thereupon his wife Popa Medaw also died from
broken heart.
15 years later, the two sons of Byat Ta and Popa Medaw,
which were adopted by King Anawratha, forgot to bring one
brick each to build the "Pagoda of Wishes". King Anawratha
soon found out, who was responsible for this omission and
gave the order to gently hit them with a fillet stick. As
they were in the trap which the king's son, Kyansittha,
planned from beginning on, they were instead hardly hit with
a bamboo stick and died. Hundreds of mediums (Nat-Kadaw) and
thousands of pilgrims come once a year to Taung Byone, where
the statues of the two brothers are placed in a shrine and
there stands still the "Pagoda of Wishes" with the two
missing stones. It is the most impressive Nat Festival in
Myanmar. Offerings and dances, the inflow of merchants, the
constant arrival of pilgrims and the intensive uses of
loudspeakers continue day and night.
YADANA GU NAT FESTIVAL, Amapura, Mandalay
Aug. 08 - 30, 2008
Known as mother of Taungbyone Festival. Most enjoyable
because of the rowing boat trip to the site. The festival is
held annually in honor of Mt. Popa. Medaw, Mewanna (Mother
of the two Lords) who came back from Taunbyon Festival,
halted on her way back to Mt. Popa at the Yadanagu as her
transit camp.
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Festivals in September:
BO BO GYI NAT FESTIVAL, Taungthaman Inn, Mandalay
Sep. 07 - 19, 2008
Bo Bo Gyi is believed to have high level alchemical and to
have expired to become a Nat. On the eve of ceremony
pilgrims throw tealeaf packets at one another from racing
exacts. It is regarded as a pledge that one who is hit must
take a visit next year with out fail.
PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA FESTIVAL, Inle Lake
Sep. 30 - Oct. 17, 2008
Watch the procession of leg-rowed boats, which are
ceremoniously tugging four Buddha statues situated on a
royal barge clockwise around Inle Lake. Throughout the event
leg-rowed boat races are being held and you will come across
them during the excursion on the lake. Hundreds of other
vessels travel in the entourage in a general festive
atmosphere. Thousands of people from around the Shan State
attend this most holy of all Shan celebrations.
Time table
of Phaung Daw Oo Festival.
INDEIN PAGODA FESTIVAL, Inle Lake
Sep. 30 – Oct. 03, 2008
Buddhist ceremony held at unique site of old shrine complex
in Inle Lake.
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Festivals in October:
KYAUKDAWGYI PAGODA FESTIVAL, Mandalay
Oct. 11 - 18, 2008
It’s situated at the foot of Mandalay hill, within a short
walking distance from Mandalay Hill Resort. It is considered
popular sales fair where all kinds of goods (some of them
locally produced) are sold. Next to that is the usual
organization of events similar to other Pagoda Festivals.
DUMMY ELEPHANT FESTIVAL, Kyauk Se, Mandalay
Oct. 13 - 14, 2008
This unique and exotic elephant dance held at Kyaukse, a
small town not far from Mandalay. A huge but light elephant
figure is made with 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
circle three times at the foot of the hill to pay homage to
the Shwethalyaung Pagoda. It is a dance that requires
precise rhythm and timing in order for the elephant dancers
to maintain uniformity inside the elephant figure. Numerous
life-size paper dummy elephants sing and dance to the
accompaniment of music.
THE THADINGYUT (FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS), Throughout
Myanmar
Oct. 13 - 15, 2008
To mark the end of the Buddhist Lent, and is also one of the
most prominent festivals of the year. Pagodas, houses,
public buildings, parks, and monuments are all illuminated
and there are various kinds of activities for everyone to
enjoy. Thadingyut is not only for joyous but also
thanksgiving and paying homage to Buddhist monks, teachers,
parents and elders, and asking pardon for whatever misdeeds
might have committed.
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Festivals in November:
SHWEZIGON FESTIVAL, Bagan
Nov. 04 - 12, 2008
Shwezigon Festival will be held starting from 04 November to
12 November. There are evening entertainments such as Zats:
(a variety of dances, songs, short and long plays), Anyeints
(a performance of a few hours in which a number of "jokers"
caricature current situations and or person strung together
by a traditional dancer, popular movies shown in open air.
On full moon day (12 Nov), there is a communal offering of
food and various domestic articles to the monks from the
nearby monasteries (ca. 600) lined up as in usual offerings.
BALLOON FESTIVAL, Taunggyi
Nov. 06 - 12, 2008
The fireworks are in the form of rockets. There is always
hot balloons competition 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 multicolored paper lanterns hung around their
sides and balloons would sting along fireworks and fire
sticks which are set off mid-air fireworks.
Time table of
Balloon Festival in Taunggyi.
THANBODDE PAGODA CEREMONY, Monywa
Nov. 11 - 12, 2008
Like other pagoda festival with the usual entertainment
provided. Myanmar thanaka, sandalwood and woven textiles
(cotton blankets and longyis mainly) can be bought at the
various stalls around the pagoda area.
PHO-WIN-TAUNG FESTIVAL, Monywa
Nov. 11 - 12, 2008
Like other pagoda festival with the usual entertainment
provided. Myanmar thanaka, sandalwood and woven textiles
(cotton blankets and longyis mainly) can be bought at the
various stalls around the pagoda area.
KAUNGHMUDAW PAGODA FESTIVAL, Sagaing
Nov. 12 – 17, 2008
The most interesting aspect of this festival is the caravan
of bullock-carts in the pagoda compound. Some of the carts
carry their village products, such as hand-woven cotton
cloths and cane mats, to sell them there. They like to camp
under the shade of the trees.
ROBE WEAVING CONTEST, Throughout Myanmar
Nov. 12, 2008
The robe weaving ceremony is held on the eve of the day
before full moon day in one night. This is a competition for
the weaving skills between teams of women to complete
special saffron-coloured robes, called “Ma Tho Thin Gan”
from the evening onwards at dawn. It is still done in the
traditional way and lots of people enjoy watching the
demonstrations. At dawn, the robes are offered to the great
image of Lord Buddha and followed by the prize giving
ceremony for the winners.
KYAIKHTIYO PAGODA FESTIVAL, Golden Rock
Nov. 12, 2008
The boulder, standing on the edge of a peak in the highest
mountain range, is said to be freely hanging over the cliff.
The place is famous as a pilgrimage and holiday outing spot.
On this particular full moon day number total 9,999 candles
are ceremoniously lit at mid night.
SHIN MAR LE PAGODA FESTIVAL, Thazi
Nov. 11 - 12, 2008
Celebrated at the time of the Tazaung Dine Festival. People
throe with lotus flowers to the top of the stupa, located at
the North entrance of the Mahamuni Pagoda, as homage to the
Lord Buddha.
TAZAUGDINE LIGHT FESTIVAL, Throughout Myanmar
Nov. 11 - 13, 2008
Another festival of light held on the full moon day
throughout the country. Home and streets are illuminated and
Buddhists are provided robe and various requisites at
Kathein (Ceremony of offering robes to monks). On this
particular full moon day number total 9,999 candles are
ceremoniously lit at mid night. Visitors are served with
mixed salad of maezali buds, believed to possess powerful,
magical and medicinal properties if eaten at this time.
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Festivals in December:
SHWEMYETMHAN PAGODA FESTIVAL, Shwe Taung near Pyay
Dec. 05 - 12, 2008
This pagoda festival is as same as the others pagoda
festival. But one interesting thing is during the British
time, Mrs. Hurtno wife of the commissioner was relieved from
her eye disease after she offered a pair of glasses to the
Buddha. Local people who lives around this area they believe
that whoever have a problem with eyes they make novena to
this pagoda.
MT. POPA NAT SPIRIT FESTIVAL, Mt. Popa
Dec. 12, 2008
Mt. Popa being considered most important Nat worshipping
center, thousands of country folks and town people in their
joyous, light-hearted and merrymaking in this particular
festival. Thousands of animals were sacrificed to the Nats
during the festival however this practice has been stopped
since Bagan period. Spirit possession and overall drunken
ecstasy are part of the celebration
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