A ceremony to commence the 2591st Buddha Pujaniya festival of Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda took place at the venue in Minbu Township of Magway Region yesterday morning.
Nagayon Tahtaung Samataung Monastery Sayadaw of Lewe Aggamaha Saddhammajotikadhaja Dr Bhaddanta Vamsasiri and Magway Region Chief Minister U Tint Lwin pressed the button to unveil the archway of the festival and released birds and fish to mark the opening ceremony.
Member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Pyinmana’s Aungsitha Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vicakkhana, Nagayon Tahtaung Samataung Monastery Sayadaw of Lewe, the Chief Minister and officials unveiled the glass cover of the lower replica footprint of the Buddha and open the doors of the upper replica footprint.
Ovadacariya Sayadaw of the pagoda consecreted two replica footprints and Hsaungtaungpyae Lotaya Nammada Nagayon Pagoda.
The congregation took the five precepts from Ovadacariya Sayadaws and offered alms and day meals.
The term of Buddha Pujaniya festival for Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda is the longest among other festivals of pagodas across the nation. It lasts for 75 days from 2 February to 17 April yearly.
The pagoda board of trustees and local authorities managed construction of lodges to accommodate pilgrims from four corners of the nation with more than 300 rooms during their visit to the pagoda. In addition, some 350 shops were allowed to sell products at the festival, according to the Pagoda Board of Trustees. — Maung Maung (Minbu)/TTA
