Traditional clayware festival draws crowds to Mandalay
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NP News - Aug 23
People flocked to Obo Ward, Aungmyaythazan Township, last weekend to celebrate the annual Traditional Clayware Festival. The two-day event, held from August 11 to 12 near Mandalay Hill, showcased the rich history and craftsmanship of Myanmar's pottery tradition.
Rooted in a centuries-old custom dating back to the reign of King Thibaw, the festival is a revival of a market that once emerged during the Taungpyone Festival. Potters would gather near Mandalay Hill to sell their wares, and the tradition evolved into the dedicated clayware festival held a day before the larger event. The area's name, Obo, is believed to have originated from the abundance of furnaces and potteries that once thrived there.
A highlight of the festival was the unique custom of women wearing 'Kyaukkhwet Pan', or flower crowns made of green twigs, a distinctive tradition that has been preserved through generations.
Beyond the cultural significance, the festival offered visitors a chance to explore and purchase a variety of clayware products, from everyday household items to intricate decorative pieces. Local artisans showcased their skills, demonstrating pottery-making techniques and sharing their knowledge with the public.