17th Pyin-Oo-Lwin Tazaungdaing Festival to be held with celebration of robe offering, lights, hot-air balloons
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NP News – Nov 6
Win Myint, a member of the Maha Arnthtoo Kantha Sutaungpyae Pagoda Board of Trustees said that the 17th Pyin-Oo-Lwin Tazaungdaing Festival is scheduled to be held from November 24-28 this year. It will feature the Tazaungdaing lighting festival, a spectacular hot-air balloon, and the Matho Thingan (which means ‘non-perishable robe’ that was weaving within a night, and not allowed to pass the dawn) weaving competition.
It is reported that the Tazaungdaing lighting festival will illuminate the pagoda platform of Maha Arnthtoo Kantha Sutaungpyae Pagoda, creating a mesmerizing display. Simultaneously, the hot-air balloon festival will also take place in the Pagoda’s hot-air balloon field.
The Matho Thingan weaving competition, a traditional weaving competition of robes to offer to Buddha, will commence on November 24th, with the Matho Thingan offering ceremony scheduled for the morning of November 27th, coinciding with the full moon day of Tazaungmone.
The festival includes the early morning offering of Matho Thingan robes at the dawn on Tazaungmone full moon day, followed by 9,000 oil lamps offering event in the evening.
The hot-air balloon festival will kick off on the eve of Tazaungmone full moon day. During daytime, various captivating hot-air balloons inspired by animals and mythical creatures will take to the skies, commencing at 1 pm.
The festival is also reported to offer an array of sports competitions daily, starting from 8 am to 6 pm within the hot-air balloons field compound, ensuring that visitors can enjoy not only the visual splendors but also participate in engaging activities throughout the festival.