Festivals

Singing, dancing and overall merriment are in store for those attending the Ko Gyi Kyaw Spirit Festival in Pakhan. Lasting eight days, the annual festival celebrates the happy spirit Ko Gyi Kyaw in his hometown in the Mandalay region. Worshippers, visitors and locals alike join in the festivities and traditional displays.

The Alaungdaw Khathapa Pagoda is in the grounds of a National Park in Sagaing and as such, visitors travel to see the temple and nearby caves on the day of the full moon but also to spend time in the park and see the elephants for which the park is famous. Pilgrims climb down into the ravine to pay homage at Shin Maha Kathapa’s tomb.

Visitors gain a rare insight into the mysterious Shan culture at the Bawgyo Pagoda Festival in the Thibaw Township. Observing ancient traditions, the culture is unique to the rest of the country. The famous pagoda is the pinnacle of the festival. Visitors enjoy traditional dances, performances, music and cuisine in the town’s park.

Local tribespeople flock to Kakku for this festival in Taunggyi in the Shan State. Slender, elegant pagodas decorate the festival grounds in the traditional geometric look typical of the region. 

People from all over flock to Shwe Taung in the Bago Region for the fantastic eight-day festival of Shwe Nattaung. Celebrating the stunning, ancient pagoda believed to be built in the Pyu Period, visitors pass the days eating, drinking and enjoying local entertainment. This is one of the largest pagoda festivals in the country.

Set aside the sea, the Inn Daw Gyi Shwe Myitzu Pagoda Festival is the only one of its kind in Myanmar. Attracting many people from around the globe, visitors take a relaxed boat ride from Yangon to the charming Laputta Township. The festival, with its beautiful parasols, together with the town and pagoda, is an overall delight.