Festivals and Major Events In Myanmar
‘Myanmar’ is a land of Festivals: a festival for every month of the year. Majority of the festivals are cultural and religious. Most are celebrated nation-wide while a few are distinctly regional.
Festivals
January – Htamane Festival
– Kachin Manao Festival(Myitkyina, Kachin State)
– Naga New Year Festival( Chin State)
– Mahamuni Pagoda Festival ( Mandalay)
– Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival(Minbu,Magway)
– Shwe Oo Min Pagoda Festival( Pindaya, Shan State)
– Ananda Pagoda Festival ( Bagan )
February – Maw-tin-Sun Pagoda Festival(Pathein, Ayeyarwaddy Division)
– Chinese New Year Festival
– Salone Traditonal Festival(Myeik Archipelago)
– Pindaya Cave Pagoda Festival( Shan State)
– Indawgyi Pagoda Festival ( Kachin State)
March – Shwedagon Pagoda Festival(Yangon)
-Shinpyu ( Novitiation) Ceremonies
– Shwemawdaw Pagoda Festival(Bago)
April – Thingyan( Water Festival)
– Myanmar New Year Day
– Popa Nat or Spirits’ Festival(Mount Popa)
May – Kason Fullmoon Day( Watering of the Sacred Boti Tree Festival)
June – Nayone Festival of Tipitaka
July – Wason Fullmoon Day of Dhammasetkya Day
August – Taungpyone Nats or Spirit’s Festival( Taungpyone, Mandalay)
October – Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival( Inle Lake, Shan State)
– Performing Arts Competition( Yangon)
– Thadingyut Festival of Lights
– Kyaukse Elephant Dance Festival(Kyaukse, Mandalay)
– Shwezigon Pagoda Festival(Bagan)
November – Tazaungdine Festival of Lights
– Kyaik-Htiyo Pagoda ( Golden Roke) Festival( Mon State)
– Hot Air Balloons and Fireworks Festival( Taunggyi, Shan State)
– Kahtein Thingan( Yellow Robe) Weaving Festival
December – 9000 Lighting of Candles ( Koe Htat Gyi Pagoda, Yangon)
– Kayin New Year Day
– Christmas Day