December 20
In Magway Region’s Minbu District, specifically Minbu (Sagu) Township, for the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Buddha Pujaniya Festival, approximately 800 guesthouses and 400 stalls will be constructed to accommodate pilgrims and provide shopping opportunities, according to U Tun Tun Win, the Minbu District Administrator in Magway Region.
The Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Buddha Pujaniya Festival is scheduled to commence on 14 February, starting on the 5th waxing of Tabodwe in the Myanmar calendar year 1385, and the festival will run for 64 days.
“The festival is set to begin on 14 February 2024. Pilgrims not only from Magway but also from central Myanmar traditionally attend the Mann Shwe Set Taw Festival. Therefore, approximately 800 guest houses will be constructed to provide temporary accommodation for the pilgrims, and around 400 temporary shops will be opened to offer convenient food options. All construction projects are currently underway. Hence, we would like to inform everyone to come and visit the festival. All pilgrims can enjoy the festival happily and peacefully,” said U Tun Tun Win.
During the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival, the Shwesettaw Mann Chaung Recreation Camp near the pagoda in Minbu (Sagu) Township will be opened in conjunction with the festival.
Preparations are reportedly underway to allow pilgrims to take a short ride on elephants at the elephant camp, bathe and relax in the Mann Creek, and enhance preparations for the elephants’ dance show and reception programmes, as well as the exhibition of the elephant museum. — ASH/TKO
