Visit Minnanthu Village
Slow peace life in village- source: internet
A good place after you have been temple-hopping in Bagan? No better choice than the farming village nearby New Bagan named Minnanthu Village which still maintains the way of life with houses built by bamboo and wood for centuries that have been replaced by thousands of stone stupa and temples on the Bagan plain. This village to the east of Bagan is an agricultural village specializing in producing cotton, peanut and sesame oil but only selected crops could be grown during the dry season due to the dry land. In addition to processing the crops, feeding the animals and making tobacco, Minnathu village also weave fabrics and make handcrafts as souvenirs to meet the demand of tourism – another source of income of villagers. Myanmar tours packages
In this popular tourist attraction a few kilometers away from Bagan, you will get a closer insight into the daily life of Bagan villagers as well as have a peek into the livelihood in Bagan in the past and at present. It can be said that Minnathu Village is not a big place but a great one to immerse in the unique culture of Bagan’s residents.
Minnanthu Village- source: internet
Even though villagers in Minnanthu are really hospitable, welcoming, willing to invite you to get to their houses and enjoy food and tea, it is wise to have a local guide accompany with you. To show you more about the local culture, he will show you more about the characteristics of the countryside houses, stories about the village, local traditions and living habits. To support locals’ life, you can purchase something or give tips. If you want to take photos of Minnanthu residents, consult them to make sure you will not be charged.
Take part in Shwezigon Pagoda Festival
Shwezigon Pagoda Festival in Bagan- source: internet
Taking place between October and November – in Tazaungmone, the 8th month according to Burmese lunar calendar, Shwezigone pagoda festival, which marks the monsoon season ending, is one of the most exciting cultural festivals in the Bagan area as well as the whole country.
Similar to other pagoda festivals in this Golden Land, in this festival time, many pilgrims, monks and visitors visit the Shwezigone pagoda to take part in various activities, such as cultural performances (Zatpwe and Anyeints), puppet shows, theatrical shows, magic shows and enjoy the fascinating and magical atmosphere created by these parades of dancers dressed in bright costumes and the lit up Shwezigon Pagoda.
Besides walking around shops selling local products and choosing souvenirs, Shwezigone pagoda festival is also a chance to taste popular local dishes, such as spicy curries and sweet treats at the food stalls.
Manuha Pagoda Festival
Manuha Pagoda Festival- source: internet
Celebrated for two consecutive days, the Full moon day and one day before according to Tawthalin calendar, the Manuha Festival is one of the traditions descended from the time of the King Manuha in Bagan. The date of this festival is different every year, but often during September or October.
During this amazing donation at such a time, trays of pickled winter melon and rice cakes are set outside the home in the Myinkaba Village in this pagoda’s surrounding to donate to all of visitors and pilgrims from near and far. The free donation of food or this part of the traditional practice is called as Sadu Ditha.
In the morning of the Full Moon Day, locals and visitors offer alms bowls full of food to monks from many monasteries. You can buy local products and homemade products on the way to this pagoda.
During the festival, locals create their own colorful paper mache characters with a hundred of designs ranging from the Manuha King himself, horses, tigers, cows, crocodiles, elephants, and even a gigantic rabbit as well as some stars and parade around the city. Taking part in this parade are young villagers playing the roles of the king and queen.
See more:
Where to go to discover the beauty of Mandalay
Vang Vieng night market – where to go for your nighttime
Asia Travel Lover
