10 March

Devotees, locals, and civil service personnel gathered around the Mann Shwe Settaw Pagoda festival on the Full Moon Day of Tabaung and during holidays.

“I’m a school teacher in Yenangyoung town. My family came here during the three-day holiday. I haven’t experienced this trip on the full moon day of Tabaung. I’ve presented ‘early soon’ and fruits to the Buddha. I’m very much delighted at the crowded people here. I’m very happy as I’ve got a chance to take shower in Mann Creek,” said Daw Moe Moe Aung.

U Aung Kyaw Lin from upper Minhla said: “We’ve made a pilgrimage during the three-day holiday, with our neighbours. Families are coming here together as our school children have their summer holidays. Today is the full moon day of Tabaung with crowded festivities around the Mann Shwe Settaw Pagoda.”

The Mann Shwe Settaw Pagoda Festival is from the 5th waxing day of Tabodwe (February) to the first day of Myanmar New Year in April and festivities are held for 80 days. —U Kyaw Soe Win (District IPRD) (Translated by Aung Thu Ya)