Phaungdawoo Pagoda Festival (Inle Lake-Shan State)

One of the famous principal shrines in Myanmar. this pagoda houses five small Buddha images. Once a year. in end Sept-early Oct.. there is a pagoda festival during which the five Buddha images are rowed around the Lake in a colourful barge. Situated in Inle Lake. one of the most dazzling and magical places in Asia. It is held on a grand scale for 18 days. usually falls in October (sometimes in September). Four Buddha Images out of five from Phaung-daw-oo Pagoda are carried on royal barge and conveyed around 14 villages on the Lake. The barge is towed by the boats of leg -rowers and hundreds of boats follow the procession. The large crowds of people gather on the lake-shores to celebrate the occasion. It is really a splendid sight.

Among the dance shows and fun-fairs. the most interesting event of the festival. especially for foreigners. is their boat race - due to their unique leg rowing. It is the one and only place in the world that one can see such marvelous act.

The festival of Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is usually held during October. The festival takes about 18 days. It is the biggest occasion held in the Inle Lake¸ Shan State. The festival is held with great magnificence and pageantry. The holy Buddha's images are placed on a decorated royal barge and towed by leg-rowers around the lake.

Inle Boat Competition

There are also Shan traditional boat races participated by leg-rowers. People from all the villages nearby come to pay homage to the Images.