Mandalay pagodas and parks teem for full moon festival

Mandalay’s temples drew massive crowds on Monday as residents marked Tazaungmone full moon observances with traditional offerings and celebrations. Worshippers began arriving before sunrise to present candles, ceremonial robes and donations at religious sites throughout the city. Monks at the renowned Maha Muni Buddha Image performed the annual face-washing ritual and draped the statue with lotus garments.

Devotees conducted merit-making activities at numerous locations across the metropolitan area, visiting Taungdaw Sutaungpyae Pagoda, Kuthodaw Pagoda, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Aungdawmu Pagoda, Shwekyimyin Pagoda, Swetawmyat Pagoda and the Jade Pagoda. After sunset, residents illuminated streets with candles while sharing Mezali Phu salad, a seasonal dish prepared from Cassia siamea buds that accompanies the holiday festivities.

Recreation seekers filled popular destinations surrounding the city. City Garden, various resorts, Taungthaman Lake and U Bein Bridge hosted large numbers of visitors enjoying the holiday atmosphere. The bridge, which spans the lake with its historic teak construction, attracted particular attention from those combining religious observance with leisure activities during the full moon celebration.