THE Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival, which is held annually in Minbu (Sagu) Township, Magway Region, will be celebrated grandly from 22 January to 17 April.
The annual Buddha Pujaniya festival at Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda is traditionally held from the 5th waxing day of Tabodwe until the first day of the Myanmar New Year. This year, it will last 75 days. According to U Aye Ko, chairman of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, more than 700 booths and 800 lodgings have been prepared for the festival.
“This year, we have made every effort to ensure that pilgrims can enjoy the festival with peace of mind. We have provided all necessary facilities for pilgrims from across the country, including 24-hour clinics for healthcare. This year, we have arranged more than 700 shops and over 500 guest rooms. In addition, we plan to operate a bus service to the elephant camp near the pagoda, and we have installed barriers in deep-water areas to ensure the safety of pilgrims bathing in Mann Creek,” said U Aye Ko.
On the opening day of the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival, the lower and upper Buddha footprints are open to the public, and on the closing day of the festival, both footprints are closed again. The lower footprint is covered with a transparent glass, allowing it to be viewed and admired even outside the festival period.
During the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival, pilgrims from all over the country are allowed to stay overnight. In addition, Shwesettaw, Mann Creek, and the Elephant Camp, which includes an elephant museum, will be open throughout the festival period. The festival attracts the largest number of pilgrims on Saturdays, Sundays, the full moon day of Taboung, and during the Thingyan Festival. — ASH/MKKS
