YANGON: The historic Mawtinzun Pagoda Festival, located in the Ayeyawady Region, will be held for 15 days, according to reports.
This Buddha Pujaniya festival is scheduled to take place from February 27 to March 13.
Regarding the festival arrangements, U Kyaw Swar Win, the clerk of the Mawtinzun Pagoda Board of Trustees, explained, "On the opening day, which coincides with the first waxing day of the Tabaung month, an opening ceremony will be held. After the ceremony, monks will be seated at the eight corners of the pagoda for its consecration. Following this, a merit-sharing ceremony will take place at the Dhamma Hall. As in previous years, there will be numerous market stalls at the festival. From the ninth day to the full moon day of Tabaung, the Maha Patthana scripture will be recited. On the full moon day, the Patthana completion ceremony, the festival closing ceremony, and a rice offering ceremony for the monks will be held."
"This year, from March 7 to March 11, there will also be innovative performances by the Swarn Zarni Troupe. During the festival period, there will be over 400 market stalls at Mawtinzun. Additionally, there will be stalls at the nearby Khamauk Maw port. These stalls will include shops selling Nirvana products, food and beverages, textiles, and agricultural products. There will also be stalls selling local produce and dried fish. About half an hour from Mawtinzun is Ngwetaung, where visitors can relax and bathe. Around 100 stalls will be set up there as well. During the festival, especially from the 10th day to the full moon day of Tabaung, the number of pilgrims visiting the pagoda is usually overwhelming," he added.
The revered Mawtinzun Pagoda, which houses a sacred hair relic of the Buddha, is located in Hainggyi Island Town, Ngaputaw Township, Pathein District, Ayeyawady Region. Situated on the Mawtin Cape by the sea, it is a prominent destination accessible by both water and land routes. - Eleven Media/ANN
