Myanmar is an amazing place to witness some of the most unique festivals in the world. There is always something taking place somewhere in the country. Most festivals are cultural and religious, offering intriguing and colorful experiences for visitors. Dates change each year, so check which will be on while you’re traveling through the country. It’s a particularly good idea to look out for the lively pagoda festivals, which happen regularly and throughout Myanmar.
## JANUARY
### ANANDA TEMPLE FESTIVAL, BAGAN
Held from the 8th waxing day to the 8th waning day of Pyatho, the Ananda Temple Festival in Bagan stands as one of the most significant and vibrant events on the entire Bagan calendar. This grand celebration showcases a rich tapestry of Myanmar’s cultural heritage, featuring a diverse array of dances, captivating plays, and melodious songs that resonate with both locals and visitors alike. A particular highlight of the festival is the mesmerizing play of Anyeints, a performance that stretches for several hours and offers an intriguing blend of comedic elements intertwined with traditional puppetry, leaving audiences spellbound.
Approximately four or five days before the full moon graces the sky, caravans of bullock carts begin their journey from villages surrounding Bagan, converging upon the festival grounds. These caravans transform the area around Ananda Temple into a bustling country fair, with villagers camping out for about a week, creating a lively and immersive atmosphere. The event held on the full moon day is the pinnacle of the festival, drawing the largest crowds and showcasing the most spectacular displays. Starting around 6 a.m., a remarkable procession of over a thousand monks from the surrounding area arrives to gratefully accept offerings of filled alms bowls, a sight that embodies the spirit of generosity and devotion.
### MANAW FESTIVAL, MYITKYINA/BAHMO, KACHIN STATE
The Manaw Festival, typically held on the 10th of January, is a grand gathering that unites the diverse clans of the Kachin people, who hail from the northern regions of Myanmar. The festival primarily takes place in Myitkyina, and sometimes in Bahmo. Historically, the Manaw Festival was rooted in animist traditions, serving as an occasion to express gratitude to ancestral spirits and offer prayers for a prosperous future. However, it has gradually evolved into more of a New Year’s celebration, providing a platform for tribes to reunite, fostering a sense of community and shared identity. People from all corners of the Kachin State eagerly anticipate this festival, donning their finest traditional costumes to showcase their cultural pride and heritage.
The central feature of the Manaw Festival is the captivating spiritual dance, where participants form lines behind one another around erect Manaw poles, which bear a striking resemblance to the totem poles found in North American indigenous cultures. These poles symbolize the connection to the ancestors and the spiritual realm. Chieftains play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the festival, traditionally bearing the significant expenses associated with the celebrations. Records indicate that the largest payment ever made for this festival consisted of a staggering 14 buffaloes, 20 cows, 20 pigs, 50 chickens, 200 baskets of rice, and an impressive 4,500 bottles of spirits, demonstrating the immense importance placed on this cultural event.
### NAR-GA NEW YEAR’S FESTIVAL, SAGAING REGION
Nestled deep within north-western Myanmar, near the rolling Chin Hills, lie the remote Nar-ga villages of Lahe, Layshi, Hkamti, and Nanyun. This area, characterized by its rugged terrain and limited accessibility, presents a unique and challenging destination for travelers seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience. However, the Nar-ga New Year’s Festival offers an exciting and rewarding opportunity for adventurous travelers to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the Nar-ga people.
The festival, which takes place annually in mid-January, serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the earth for providing a bountiful harvest. It is a time for tribes to come together, celebrating their shared heritage through song, dance, and feasting. The festival commences with an opening ceremony on the first day, featuring captivating traditional dances performed beside magnificent bonfires that light up the night sky. The following day is dedicated to competitions of traditional sports, showcasing the physical prowess and skills of the Nar-ga people. The festival culminates in a celebratory feast, complete with the consumption of rice wine and roasted meat, accompanied by more awe-inspiring tribal dances performed to the rhythmic beating of drums.
## FEBRUARY
### KYAIK KHAUK PAGODA FESTIVAL, THANLYIN (SYRIAM), NEAR YANGON
Held from the 8th waxing day to the full moon day of Tabodwe, the Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Festival, situated in Thanlyin (Syriam) near Yangon, offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere akin to that of a fun fair. Villagers from neighboring communities eagerly travel by ox-cart to partake in this colorful and joyous celebration. The festival grounds are lined with numerous stalls, offering a delectable array of local cuisine, handcrafted clay pots, durable furniture, intricately woven bamboo mats, and a variety of other items that showcase the region’s artisanal skills. As the day transitions into evening, captivating performances take place, entertaining the crowds late into the night.
### TABODWE EVENTS, COUNTRY-WIDE
Tobodwe, the 11th month of the Myanmar Lunar Calendar, signifies the month of the new harvest and is a time of widespread celebration throughout the country. During this month, a traditional glutinous rice-based savory snack known as *htamane* is prepared and generously offered to pagodas, monks, friends, and neighbors as an act of merit-making. In some regions of the country, *htamane* feasts are viewed as friendly competitions, with teams vying to create the most delicious and visually appealing version of this seasonal delicacy. The preparation of *htamane* is often a collaborative effort, filled with team spirit and enthusiastic encouragement from spectators. Participating in these festive events offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Myanmar people.
### MAHAMUNI PAGODA FESTIVAL, MANDALAY
The Mahamuni Pagoda Festival in Mandalay is a vibrant and extensive celebration that typically spans two weeks, drawing devout Buddhists from across the nation to make a pilgrimage to this sacred site. The renowned Mahamuni Buddha image takes center stage during the festivities, with devotees burning incense sticks in reverence and commemoration of Buddha. A wide variety of stalls are set up, particularly in the evening and at night, offering a diverse range of goods and services. In addition, the festival features captivating local plays, dances, and songs, providing entertainment for all who attend. *Htamane* contests are also a popular attraction, taking place within the pagoda compound on the night before the full moon. Early in the morning on the day of the full moon, the delicious *htamane* snack is offered to the revered Mahamuni Buddha image, followed by distribution to all attendees of the festival, fostering a sense of community and shared devotion.
### NYAN TAW PAGODA FESTIVAL (SHWE MYIN TIN PAGODA), PYIN OO LWIN
Like numerous other pagoda festivals held throughout Myanmar, the Nyantaw Pagoda Festival, also known as the Shwe Myin Tin Pagoda Festival, in Pyin Oo Lwin is a spectacle of color, vibrancy, and life, characterized by captivating song and dance performances that make these events so incredibly engaging. A significant aspect of this festival is the lively market that is set up, attracting many Shan and other hill tribes who come down from their remote villages to sell their unique products, showcasing their traditional crafts and wares.
## MARCH
### INDAWGYI SHWE MYITZU PAGODA FESTIVAL, HOPIN, NEAR MYITKINA
The Indawgyi Festival unfolds approximately 100 miles from Myitkyina, in the remote northern reaches of Myanmar, and extends over a period of eight days. One of the most remarkable aspects of this festival is the appearance of two sand banks in the lake before the event commences. These sand banks, formed by the currents in the water, create pathways leading out to the pagoda. Local beliefs hold that one sandbank is specifically for humans, while the other is reserved for gods, adding a mystical element to the festival. Interestingly, both sandbanks disappear completely after the festival concludes, further fueling the sense of wonder and enchantment surrounding this event.
### BAWGYO PAGODA FESTIVAL, NEAR HSIPAW / SHAN STATE
Held from the 10th waxing day to the full moon day of Tabaung near Hsipaw in the Shan State, the Bawgyo Pagoda Festival is a unique and special event centered around the gilded “four images of Buddha.” These revered images remain locked away for the majority of the year and are only displayed for public worship during this annual festival. Devout Buddhists from all corners of the country journey to witness these sacred images and pay their respects. Villagers from Palaung and the numerous other hill tribe villages scattered throughout the surrounding area also come to participate in the festival, selling their locally produced tea, intricate jewelry, and other handcrafted products, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
### PINDAYA CAVE FESTIVAL, PINDAYA
During the Pindaya Cave Festival, held at the stunning Pindaya Caves, thousands of pilgrims flock to worship at the pagoda, creating a scene of profound devotion and spiritual energy. The entrance to the caves is lined with hundreds of small stalls, offering a variety of local foods, handcrafted items, Burmese cigars, and other goods, catering to the needs and desires of the pilgrims and visitors. Members of the Shan tribes also participate in the festival, proudly showcasing their colorful traditional costumes, adding a vibrant and visually appealing element to the event. The Pindaya Cave Festival presents a perfect opportunity to combine a cultural celebration with a visit to a major cultural site in Myanmar, as the Pindaya Caves, home to over 8000 Buddha statues, are an absolute must-see attraction for any traveler.
### KAKKU PAGODA FESTIVAL, NEAR TAUNGGYI
At the Kakku Pagoda Festival, held near Taunggyi, visitors have the unique chance to witness the distinctive black outfits worn by the Pa-O people, adding a cultural dimension to the festival. The most captivating time to visit is before dawn on the full moon day of Tabaung, as the Pa-O people, dressed in their finest attire, arrive with colorfully decorated trays bearing food offerings, creating a truly remarkable sight.
### NAY WIN TAUNG PAGODA FESTIVAL, PYIN OO LWIN
The Nay Win Taung Pagoda Festival, a traditional Shan celebration, takes place in the northern part of the country, specifically in Pyin Oo Lwin. Stalls at the festival offer an almost limitless array of items for sale, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Additionally, the festival features traditional performances, providing entertainment and showcasing the cultural heritage of the Shan people.
### SHWEDAGON PAGODA FESTIVAL, YANGON
Although the Shwedagon Pagoda Festival is held within the confines of one of Yangon’s most iconic and revered temples, it is a celebration for all citizens of Myanmar, regardless of their background or origin. People from across the country come to the Shwedagon Pagoda to worship Buddha, offering water, light, and flowers to his images as a sign of respect and devotion.
### SHWE SARYAN PAGODA FESTIVAL, NEAR MANDALAY
The Shwe Saryan Pagoda Festival, held near Mandalay, features live performances of traditional song and dance, showcasing the artistic talents of the local community. Many locals also take the opportunity to sell their products, including the region’s best-selling traditional toys, which are skillfully crafted from dried toddy palm leaves, providing a unique souvenir for visitors.
### MAUNG DONG NAT FESTIVAL, MONYWA
The Maung Dong Nat Festival in Monywa is a truly unique and intriguing event, widely believed to be the most prominent gathering of witches on earth. According to local legend, Ye Kin Kadaw, the Queen of Witches, possessed extraordinary powers. However, the king, fearing her influence, forced her into exile at Maung Dong, where she tragically drowned. The festival serves as a commemoration of Ye Kin Kadaw, with offerings of bananas, betel leaves, coconuts, and flowers being presented at her shrine.
## APRIL
### SHWEMAWDAW PAGODA FESTIVAL, BAGO
Featuring the vibrancy and energy characteristic of most pagoda festivals in Myanmar, the Shwemawdaw Pagoda Festival in Bago offers a diverse range of evening entertainment, including dance-drama-concert-acrobatic performances known as Zats and Anyeints, as well as bustling fairs selling a wide variety of goodies, catering to all tastes and preferences.
### THINGYAN WATER FESTIVAL, THROUGHOUT MYANMAR
New Year in Myanmar is celebrated in April with the Thingyan Water Festival, a joyous occasion where everyone participates in splashing each other with water. While the young and young at heart enthusiastically douse each other in water, symbolizing purification and renewal, the older generation often seeks refuge in pagodas and monasteries, dedicating their time to performing meritorious deeds. During this festival, it is nearly impossible to remain dry, so it is advisable to leave valuables behind and fully embrace the spirit of the occasion.
### POPA CEREMONY, MT. POPA
The Popa Ceremony, held on Mt. Popa, a volcano in central Myanmar, during the first week of Myanmar’s New Year, is a unique and culturally significant event. The ceremony features a variety of classical Nat dances, showcasing the traditional beliefs and practices of the region. While the mountain can become quite crowded during the festival, the Popa Ceremony offers travelers a unique and unforgettable cultural experience.
## MAY
### SHITTHAUNG PAGODA FESTIVAL, MRAUK OO
While the Shitthaung Pagoda Festival in Mrauk Oo shares the color and excitement common to all pagoda festivals in Myanmar, it also features special activities such as boat races and traditional wrestling matches, adding to the festive atmosphere. During the festival, devotees offer thousands of oil lamps and flowers to Buddha at night, creating a beautiful and serene spectacle.
### CHINLONE FESTIVAL, MAHAMUNI, MANDALAY
The Chinlone Festival, also known as the cane ball tournament, takes place at the Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay for over a month, both day and night. Chinlone players travel from all over Myanmar, as well as from other countries, to participate in this event. Chinlone is the traditional national sport of Myanmar, and at this festival, visitors can witness the game played both as a team sport and as an individual display of skill. Local folk music is also played during the competition, enhancing the overall festive atmosphere.
## JUNE
### THI-HO-SHIN PAGODA FESTIVAL, PAKOKKU
The Thi-Ho-Shin Pagoda Festival in Pakokku is a lively celebration and market that surrounds the Ho-Shin Pagoda, located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Entertainment during the festival includes Zat and Anyeint performances, as well as movie screenings, offering a variety of options for attendees.
## JULY
### SHWE KYUN PIN NAT FESTIVAL, MINGUN NEAR MYATHEINDAN PAGODA
The Shwe Kyun Pin Nat Festival, held in Mingun near Myatheindan Pagoda, is rooted in a local legend. According to the story, the two sons of the youngest brother of King Mindon were tragically killed when struck by a teak trunk in the Ayeyarwaddy River. Since then, the children are believed to be the keepers of the Ayeyarwaddy River, and this regional festival serves as a commemoration of their spirits.
Farmers attend the festival dressed in their colorful traditional clothing and driving impressive bullock carts. Traditional performances are a key feature of the event, and various types of ceramic ware from the Sagaing and Kyauk Myaung areas are also sold, showcasing the local craftsmanship.
### TAUNG BYONE NAT FESTIVAL, TAUNG BYONE VILLAGE NEAR MANDALAY
The Taung Byone Nat Festival, held in Taung Byone Village near Mandalay, is celebrated in honor of two powerful spirit brothers and is a major gathering for mediums who seek to contact spirits. It is considered one of the most colorful and important festivals for Nat (spirit) worshipers in the country. Visitors to the festival can witness numerous dances and traditional performances, providing a glimpse into the spiritual beliefs and practices of Myanmar.
## AUGUST
### YADANA GU NAT FESTIVAL, AMAPURA, MANDALAY
The Yadana Gu Nat Festival, held in Amarapura, Mandalay, is a unique event that is particularly famous for the enjoyable boat trip required to reach the festival site. The festival is dedicated to Mewanna, the Goddess of Popa, a powerful spirit who is also considered the protector of women. Her main shrine is located on Popa Crest, near Bagan, a site of extraordinary beauty that should not be missed.
## SEPTEMBER
### BOE BOE GYI NAT FESTIVAL, TAUNGTHAMAN INN, MANDALAY
During the Boe Boe Gyi Nat Festival in Taungthaman Inn, Mandalay, pilgrims engage in a playful tradition of throwing packets of tea leaves at one another. Those who are hit by the tea leaves are obligated to return to the festival the following year, creating a sense of community and shared experience. The highlight of the festival is a procession barge that departs from Taungthaman Village and travels to Kun Taung Lake. Many local worshipers follow the barge in small sampan boats, making the journey, which takes approximately two hours, in the late morning.
### SHWEKYETYET PAGODA FESTIVAL, AMARAPURA, MANDALAY
The Shwekyetyet Pagoda Festival is celebrated at the Shwekyetyet Pagoda, situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River in Amarapura, Mandalay. As with other pagoda festivals in Myanmar, the Shwekyetyet Pagoda Festival features shops, food stalls, music, and songs, creating a festive and lively atmosphere. In years when there is no flooding, a unique rowing competition is held, adding an element of sporting excitement to the celebration.
### PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA FESTIVAL, INLE LAKE
Visitors to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival on Inle Lake can witness the spectacular procession of leg-rowed boats, which ceremoniously tow four giant statues of Buddha on a barge across the picturesque lake. Leg-rowed boat races are held on the lake, and hundreds of other vessels join in the festivities, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. Thousands of people from across Shan state come to participate in the celebrations.
### KYAUKTAWGYI PAGODA FESTIVAL, MANDALAY
The Kyauktawgyi Pagoda Festival is located at the foot of Mandalay Hill, and is notable for the wide array of locally produced goods that are sold. The color and excitement of the festival are similar to those found at most other pagoda festivals throughout Myanmar.
## OCTOBER
### ELEPHANT DANCE FESTIVAL, KYAUKSE, MANDALAY
The Elephant Dance Festival, held in the small town of Kyaukse not far from Mandalay, features an exotic and captivating dummy elephant dance. A large, lightweight elephant figure made from paper and bamboo is paraded around the town, with men dancing to the rhythm of the traditional dobat drum. The elephant dancers gather at the foot of a hill to pay tribute to the Shwethalyaung Pagoda.
### THADINGYUT (FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS), THROUGHOUT MYANMAR
Thadingyut, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant festivals of the year in Myanmar, marking the end of Buddhist Lent. During this time, pagodas, houses, public buildings, parks, and monuments are all illuminated with lights, creating a dazzling spectacle. Thadingyut is a time for celebration, but it is also an occasion for Thanksgiving and for paying homage to Buddhist monks, teachers, parents, and elders. It is also a time to ask for pardon for any misdeeds committed throughout the year.
### SHWE KYIN FLOATING LIGHT FESTIVAL
The Shwe Kyin Floating Light Festival is typically held on the 1st waning day of Thadingyut, after the full moon day. The festival takes place at a creek near the small town of ShweKyin, located near Bago. The area was previously closed to tourism until recently, making this festival an opportunity to witness an authentic local celebration. Rowing races are held during the day, but the highlight of the festival occurs after dark, when locals launch hundreds of lit candles on floating paper boats onto the water, creating a magical and serene scene.
### INDEIN PAGODA FESTIVAL, INLE LAKE
The Indein Pagoda Festival is a prominent Buddhist ceremony that takes place at the unique and fascinating old shrine complex on Inle Lake. As Indein is a must-visit destination on any Myanmar itinerary, due to its spectacular and densely packed pagodas, the festival provides an opportunity to experience this remarkable site in a somewhat different and engaging way.
### KAUNG-HMU-DAW PAGODA FESTIVAL, SAGAING
The Kaung-Hmu-Daw Pagoda Festival in Sagaing features a number of bullock carts that transport products from the surrounding hill tribes, who come to the festival to sell their wares. It is a colorful festival, with notable items for sale including hand-woven cotton fabrics, clothing, and cane mats.
### BALLOON FESTIVAL, TAUNGGYI
The Balloon Festival in Taunggyi is one of Myanmar’s most well-known and spectacular festivals. It includes fireworks displays and a hot air balloon competition that takes place both during the day and at night. During the day, the balloons are shaped like pagodas, while at night they resemble picturesque lanterns that illuminate the sky.
### SHWEZIGON FESTIVAL, BAGAN
The Shwezigon Festival in Bagan is characterized by all the color and life one would expect from a pagoda festival. Zat performances, including dances, songs, and plays, play a prominent role in the festivities. On the full moon day, starting around 6 a.m., hundreds of monks from nearby villages arrive to receive offerings of filled alms bowls, with the activity usually concluding around 9.30 a.m.
## NOVEMBER
### TAZAUNGDAING LIGHT FESTIVAL, THROUGHOUT MYANMAR
The Tazaungdaing Light Festival is celebrated throughout Myanmar, with streets adorned with lights and Buddhists dressed in full robes. A total of 9999 candles are lit at midnight, and a salad containing Maezali buds is consumed, as it is believed to possess magical medicinal properties when eaten at this time.
### MOENYIN THANBODDHAY PAGODA CEREMONY, MONYWA
Color and excitement are the hallmarks of the Moenyin Thanboddhay Pagoda Ceremony in Monywa, which includes performances of plays, songs, and traditional dances. Locally produced items such as thanaka (the white paste used as a cosmetic in Myanmar), sandalwood, and woven textiles are also sold.
### SHIN MAR LE PAGODA FESTIVAL, THAZI
At the Shin Mar Le Pagoda Festival in Thazi, devotees come to pay homage to the Lord Buddha. A visually stunning tradition involves people throwing lotus flowers from the top of a giant stupa at the Mahamuni Pagoda, creating an attractive sight.
### PHOWINTAUNG PAGODA FESTIVAL
The Phowintaung Pagoda Festival shares similarities with other pagoda festivals, offering thanaka, sandalwood, and woven textiles (especially cotton blankets and longyis) for sale at stalls around the pagoda area.
### ROBE WEAVING CONTEST, THROUGHOUT MYANMAR
The Robe Weaving Contest takes place throughout Myanmar, with teams of women competing to make saffron-colored robes called “Ma Tho Thin Gan”. At the end of the contest, the winning robes are offered to an image of Buddha early in the morning on the full moon day. This traditional celebration has remained remarkably similar to how it has been for hundreds of years.
### KYAIKHTIYO PAGODA FESTIVAL, GOLDEN ROCK
The Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda Festival takes place at the Golden Rock, arguably the most spectacular and breathtaking location in Myanmar. Pilgrims travel from across the country to witness the full moon and light 9999 candles at midnight at this massive golden boulder perched precariously on the edge of a cliff.
### SHWE MYAT MHAN PAGODA FESTIVAL, SHWE TAUNG NEAR PYAY
The Shwe Myat Mhan Pagoda Festival near Pyay is similar to many other pagoda festivals, but it has a unique aspect related to British colonial rule. According to legend, the wife of a local Commissioner was relieved of her eye disease after she gave a pair of glasses to a statue of Buddha. As a result, many people travel to this festival to make a similar offering of glasses to Buddha in an effort to cure their own eye ailments.
## DECEMBER
### MT. POPA NAT SPIRIT FESTIVAL, MOUNT POPA
Mt. Popa is one of the most sacred religious sites in Myanmar and is home to a prominent Nat worship center. The Mt. Popa Nat Spirit Festival is dedicated to Minmahargiri Nat, believed to be the protector of households. In most Burmese homes, it is customary to have a small shrine covered in a red curtain dedicated to this Nat. During the festival, thousands of Burmese people gather at this site, creating a joyous and light-hearted atmosphere.
### NINE THOUSAND LAMPS FESTIVAL AT GOLDEN ROCK
Organized by the Devotees Association of Kyaikhtiyo (Golden Rock) on the last night of the Gregorian Calendar, the Nine Thousand Lamps Festival sees pilgrims lighting nine thousand lamps to welcome the New Year and to express gratitude for Buddha’s peaceful doctrine. This is undoubtedly a beautiful and unparalleled place to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
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