Manuha is one of the oldest pagodas in Bagan- source: internet
In the small village of Myinkaba in Bagan, Myanmar, where a local King was held captive and right after being set free, constructed a temple with the aim of exerting his frustrations at his uncomfortably cramped living conditions, you can have a chance to be told about the similar story as that of Kill Bill where Uma Thurman is trapped underground. It will definitely have you squirming in your seats.
On the morning of the Full Moon Day of Tawtalin, monks from many monasteries around the region are invited to this temple and are offered alms bowls full of food. The jetty is crowded with ferries taking some other locals from nearby places to this interesting festival.
During this festival, there is an awesome donation. Many homes in the neighborhood of this pagoda in Myinkaba Village will serve pickled winter melon and white rice cakes to all comers from near and far. Locals set many trays outside the houses and no matter who ever come passing by, they all will be offered with snacks. It is called as the free donation of food or Sadu Ditha in Burmese.
Young girls offer trays of cakes and fruits- source: internet
Manuha Pagoda Festival sees merchants and farmers set up many shops around this village for locals to purchase all kinds of fresh products. A lot of different good stalls can be found and locals only come and sell goods at such a time. They also give a donation of goods to the Manuha Pagoda monks living and working in the area for the maintenance of the temple. During this festival, villagers will march a parade around the town with young men showing off their colorful and various shaped paper-maché figures inspired by Jataka tales, stories about the many lives of Gautama Buddha and with young girls offering trays of cakes and fruits. When the streets come to life around the temple, expect to see models of King Manuha himself, heroes, celestials and animals such as: horses, elephants, tigers, crocodiles or even a giant rabbit and even some stars of today. Amazingly, the number of representation can vary even up to a few hundreds. The parade keeps on going on till the very end of the day. The majority of the young villagers will take part in the roles of the queens, king and other characters. Myanmar travel tours
Monks are invited to Manuha Festival- source: internet
With locals offering rice cakes and pickled water melon to all visitors in the spirit of Sadu Ditha (free feeding) you will feel a real sense of togetherness and community at this event. These fascinating celebrations continue on into the night with Anyient and Zat Pwe performances accompanied by music played by instruments sustaining the exciting atmosphere. In the evening, they put on plays, dances and offer food to monks and at the shine at dawn.
A chance to discover the rich history of this temple which dates back to the year 1059, when it was said that the Mon King from Thaton was granted permission to construct this temple is also a reason for your trip to this festival. After having been held captive by King Anawrahta for some time, the Mon King designed Manuha to reflect his dislike of the uncomfortably cramped position that he himself was put in. This can be realized through the size of the Buddha statues. All the Buddha statues there, particularly the large reclining Buddha at the back of the temple, seem too large for their enclosures.
Wish you a less-than-eventful journey to the temple. Don’t be the next victim to be trapped underground.
Large sitting Buddha Image inside the pagoda- source: internet
- Location: Myinkaba village, Bagan, Myanmar
- Dates: The Full Moon Day of Tawthalin and one day before. On the 27th and 28th of September.
- Duration: Two days
- Price: Free
- How to get there: First, you have to fly to Nyaung U Airport and then drive to Myinkaba village, Bagan where the temples are located.
- Where to stay: Book accommodation nearby in the lovely village of Old Bagan, then you will just be a few minute drive away.
See more:
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE OF TRAVELING YANGON
YANGON STREET FOOD – A REAL TASTE OF YANGON
Asia Travel Lover
