December is a good time for pilgrims to see a few religious festivals in Myanmar. Soak up festive festivals in Mae Lamu Pagoda or Mount Popa.
Mae Lamu Pagoda Festival
Time: From 8th to the full-moon day of Nadaw month
Duration: 8 days
Location: North Okkalapa, Yangon
Mae Lamu Pagoda Festival is one of the famous temple festivals in Yangon. During the festival, the monks chant 24 hours per day. The Buddhists offer to the Buddha and monks. Many traditional performances and music shows are played on the stages around the pagoda’s compound.
Popa Guardian Spirit Festival
Time: from the full-moon day of Nadaw month
Duration: 6 days
Location: Mount Popa, near the city of Bagan
In the festival time, all the pilgrims and residents from the neighboring area gather in the rituals to collect the merit with the hope of a new year of luck and prosperity. All the rituals are held at the Mount Popa area.
9000 Lights of Candle Festival
Time: annually on 31st December
Duration: 1 day
Location: Temple Kyaik Htiyo, Mon state
On the night of the festival, Buddhists lit 9000 lights to welcome the New Year and offer to the Buddha in the Kyaiktiyo pagoda. The Buddhists and believers have fun and dance all night.
In the festival, Buddhist followers go to pagodas and stupas to offer flowers, a variety of fruits, rice (soon) and candle lights.
