135th Maha Thetkya Marazain Pagoda (Kyauktawgyi) festival was held in Uboaktaw Ward, Aungmyaythazan Township, Mandalay Region, yesterday. The festival started from October 22 to November 1, according to Chairman of Pagoda Board of Trustee U Kyaw Win.
Kyauktawgyi Pagoda means the Pagoda of the Great Marble Image. It is also known as Maha Thetkya Marazain Pagoda. It was built by King Mindon stands at the foot of Mandalay Hill. The Image was carved out of a huge single block of marble.
U Kyaw Win also said that a ceremony to offer meals to 2,567 monks from four wards of Mandalay Region will be held around 7:30 am of November 1.
During this festival, thousands of Mandalay villagers and locals all over Myanmar will come to Mandalay to pay respects to the marble Buddha image at Kyauktawgyi Pagoda.
The celebrations involve a harmonious combination of attractive carnival activities and traditional religious ceremonies.
Tourists can find interesting souvenirs in the markets and experience an authentic market experience by the temple. Tourists can visit the carnival and indulge in the joyous environment, or join the locals in praying and paying tributes to the pagoda under the guidance of the monks at the area.
Culture-lovers will love to witness this ancient Buddhist festival as it features a contrasting combination between the liveliness of a local market and the peaceful environment of a religious site.
