Shwezigon Festival

Held between the end of November and mid-December, Shwezigon is a beautiful festival in the ancient city of Bagan. Whilst there are fascinating events all throughout the festival, the main focus is on the day of the full moon. Colourful and lively processions carry candles and incense, and bright fireworks are launched into the skies. The procession makes its way to a pagoda and alms are offered to claret-clad monks. Street food vendors sell their wares in front of the pagoda, and there is a fun fairground, craft stalls, and other street entertainment.

Tazaungdaing

Tazaungdaing is a nation-wide celebration as well as a public holiday. Marking the end of the rainy season, it usually falls in November. Referred to as the Festival of Lights as well, the festival also falls at the end of kahtein season, a time when people give alms and new robes to monks. An ancient celebration, robe-weaving contests take place, in addition to acts of charity, giving alms to monks, and large elaborate feasts. Performances are widespread, with traditional stories played out. For some of the prettiest celebrations head to Shan State and you can watch in awe as beautiful balloons and lanterns drift across the sky.

Thingyan - Burmese New Year

Celebrated around Myanmar, Thingyan is a water festival that marks the start of the new Buddhist year. Held in April, it is similar to Thailand’s Songkran festival … though not quite as rowdy! People visit the temples to make merit and wash sacred statues of the Lord Buddha, pay respects to their elders, and have lots of fun splashing each other in the streets with refreshingly cold water.   

Moe Byae festival

Lasting for four days between the last day of Janury and the 3rd of February, Moe Byae is held in Shan State. Famous around the country, it attracts many people keen to see the ornate decorations and huge market around the central pagoda. Many different ethnic groups attend the festival from the nearby mountain villages, selling a wide assortment of traditional items and crafts. There’s an abundance of delicious food and captivating performances and shows.

Shwedagon Pagoda Festival

Held at the nation’s most revered pagoda in the former capital of Yangon, the gleaming Shwedagon Pagoda is the scene of many pilgrims coming from all over Myanmar to light candles, pray, and make offerings. Held in March, there are also country-wide celebrations at important temples and pagodas in different cities and towns.   

Other interesting festivals in Myanmar include the spiritual events at Mount Popa (April), Waso (July) to mark the beginning of Buddhist lent, the Bo Tree Watering Ceremony (May) that is held to celebrate the Lord Buddha’s birth, death, and enlightenment, Mandalay’s Nat Festivals (August), and the pilgrimage to the Golden Rock and Thidingyut Festival (both held in October).