The historic Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda festival in Minbu (Sagu) Township, Magway Region, hosted over 400,000 pilgrims during the festival days, and the closing ceremony of the festival was held yesterday.
Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Ovadacariya Sayadaws, Magway Region Social Affairs Minister U Myo Myint, Ethnic Affairs Minister U Tun Khin and relevant officials attended the event.
After the ceremonial procedures, attendees took five precepts from Sayadaws and donated offerings and day meals to Sayadaws.
Moreover, Sayadaws and the congregation released 10,000 pond goldfish or koi and 5,000 rohu fish into Mann Creek, marking the 1386 Myanmar New Year.
The pagoda festival was held for 64 days, from the 5th Waxing of Tabodwe to the 1st day of Myanmar New Year. There were about 1,000 guesthouses and over 800 stalls during the festival. Although the access to two sacred footprints of the Lord Buddha have closed, visitors across the county can visit peacefully anytime, according to the pagoda board of trustees. — Maung Maung (Minbu)/KTZH
