Phaung Taw Oo Pagoda Festival

Unique Cultural Event of Inlay Lake

The Festival Procession of the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda

Phaung Taw Oo Pagoda is one of the famous principal pagodas in Myanmar which houses five Buddha Images. This Pagoda is the main attraction of Inlay Lake and is situated in the middle of the Lake.

Once a year, the famous Phaung Daw Oo Festival is held for public worship of the local Inthu-Inthar people and the Buddhist pilgrims from all over the country. Foreign tourists also visit the Inlay Lake to Experience this Unique cultural, religious and historical event.

Tradition has it that A-laung-si-thu, King of Bagan came to the Inlay Lake in the 12th Century and on the prow of the Royal Barge, he carried the five images of the Buddha. A Pagoda was built in the Lake and five images were enshrined. During the month of Thadingyut (October) when the Festival of Lights is celebrated throughout Myanmar after three months of Buddish Lent, here in the Lake the Phaung Daw Oo Buddha images are taken on the Royal Barge for the ceremonial procession. All the way, there is the spectacular reflection of the cultural lifestyles of the Inthu-Inthar people - a uniqueness of the Festival can be experienced in the Festival of the Phaung Taw Oo Pagoda.

The Famous leg rowing competition

During the Inlay Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, one of the attractive events is the famed leg rowing competitions.

Source: Visitors' Guide - Shan of MHT