The Ananda Pagoda, is said by many to be the finest, largest and best preserved of all Bagan’s 2,000 holy temples and monuments, and in January each year, hundreds flock to the site for the epic, 23 day celebrations.
The Ananda Pagoda, also known as Ananda Pahto, was built by King Kyansittha in the early Bagan Period (circa 12th Century), and is said to symbolize the limitless wisdom of the Buddha. The annual Ananda Pagoda Festival is a highlight of
Like a country-fair, you can see locals roll up to the temple with bull carts and horse carts, and remain there for the duration of the festival. Red-robed monks line up with their alms bowls to receive rice and crops from merit makers. A lively market fills the temple’s grounds, and evening performances of ‘Zats’ and ‘Anyeints’ , traditional variety and slap-stick comedy shows, keep the crowd entertained.
Undoubtedly, the busiest and most interesting day of the celebration is the full-moon day of the lunar month. This special day, called Pyartho, is the main focus of the festival, and the consecration is a big crowd puller.
This year, the Ananda Pagoda Festival runs from 26th December until 17th January. It’s a great opportunity to witness a fascinating Buddhist ritual, and get a real insight into the living ancient culture of
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