The construction of a Nyaungyan Period-style building in the precincts of the Kaunghmudaw Pagoda in Sagaing Region has started to keep the world's largest wood-curved drum, according to the pagoda board of trustees.
The drum was curved of Koukou wood (Albizzia lebbek) and donated by Saya Pwe of Myanmar traditional musical instrument house in Letpangon Village, Indaw Township, Sagaing Region. The wooden drum is 128 feet in length, 64 feet in height and 54 feet in diameter. It is also made up of two sheets of buffalo skins and 18 sheets of cow skins. It also depicts religious verses and the footprint of the Lord Buddha.
"The building design by architect Tammawady Win Maung is similar to that of Nyaungyan Era. It has fiver tiers with two steps above where the drum will be kept," said Ni Tin, vice chairman of the pagoda board of trustees.
The building construction that started on January 27 will cost about K50 million. The chamber measures 30 feet by 70 feet.
A ceremony to convey the world's biggest wood-curved drum to the pagoda is due to take place in March. The event will be held on a grand scale under the leadership of the venerable Sitagu Sayadaw and Sagaing Region chief minister Dr Myint Naing.
