Chamber construction for world biggest wooden drum in Sagaing completed by 75%

Chamber construction for world biggest wooden drum in Sagaing completed by 75%
Published 4 March 2019
Yan Paing

The construction of a Nyaungyan Period-style building in the precincts of the Kaunghmudaw Pagoda in Sagaing Region to keep the world's largest wood-curved drum has finished by 75 percent, according to the pagoda board of trustees.

"The building construction has completed by 75 percent. The whole building is made of steel structure. It will be completed by March 12. The drum will arrive at the pagoda on March 19. The drum will be played after the pagoda has been whitewashed and consecrated on March 20 (Full moon day of Tabaung), which also falls on the birthday of the venerable Sitagu Sayadaw" said Tin Myo Lwin, chairman of 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 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.