THE Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival in Minbu (Sagu) Township, Minbu District, Magway Region, featured performances by renowned artistes, including traditional Myanmar opera and music shows.
Artistes entertained the audience with cultural performances, drawing a large crowd of devotees and locals on the night of 18 March, according to the festival’s organizing committee.
The performances took place on a special stage near the bridge entrance to the pagoda platform. As part of the festival, the first-night event featured a Myanmar opera show led by the “Min Htway” troupe. Famous opera actors and singers, along with renowned artistes presented musical performances for devotees, visitors and locals.
The festival will continue with traditional opera and music performances on the nights of 18 and 19 March, starting at 8 pm. The shows are free for all visitors. The organizing committee reported that a large number of devotees and visitors attended and enjoyed the entertainment in a calm and joyful atmosphere on the first night.
The pagoda festival is being held from 2 February to 17 April, including the Maha Thingyan water festival holidays. The festival spans 75 days, from the 5th waxing of Tabodwe to the 1st waxing of the Myanmar New Year. The event offers 484 accommodation rooms and 421 market stalls to facilitate pilgrims.
Since the festival’s opening, a total of 16,546 pilgrims and 3,319 vehicles have arrived at the pagoda. The number of visitors continues to increase, with devotees from various regions coming to pay homage and relax at the site. — Maung Maung (Minbu)/KZL
