The annual Kyaikne Sea Pagoda Festival, held between An Khe and Weh Kalaung villages in Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, is taking place this year without entertainment programs due to security concerns, according to local residents and festival organizers.
Traditionally, the festival is held from the first to the third day after the full moon of Tazaungmone, featuring Buddhist rituals, prayers, and alms offerings. However, organizers said this year’s celebration is being kept simple to avoid risks to pilgrims’ safety.
Despite the reduced scale, locals are still providing food and transport by motorboats for pilgrims visiting the pagoda, which lies offshore and is accessible by a stone path known locally as the “Spirit Road.”
Residents said they have prepared as best they can to host visitors safely. The scaled-down event aims to prevent potential clashes between security forces and armed groups if large public festivities were held.
The Kyaikne Sea Pagoda Festival is one of Mon State’s most famous religious events. In 2021, over 20 pilgrims died after being swept away by waves while walking along the stone path to the pagoda.
