Golden Umbrella Hoisting Ceremony: Centennial of KengTung Maha Myat Muni Pagoda

In commemoration of the Centennial Anniversary of Maha Myat Muni Pagoda in KengTung Township of Shan State (East), a ceremony to hoist Diamond Bud and Golden Umbrella was held in conjunction with the Consecration Ceremony on Tuesday.

The ceremony was graced by the Patron Sayadaw of Keng Yun Monastery and members of Sangha. Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing paid homage to the Maha Myat Muni Buddha image and donated meal in emerald bowl, water, fruits, flower, incense and lights.

The Prime Minister and congregation later received the 9-precepts from the Sayadaw and listened to the sermons.

After the ritual process, the Prime Minister and wife offered diamond bud and offertories to the Keng Yun  Monastery Sayadaw while the family members offered vane, golden umbrella and offertories to Naga HnaKaung Monastery Sayadaw. SAC members and the Union Ministers also donated offertories to the members of the Sangha.

Member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Patron Sayadaw of HawKham Monastery in LeChar  delivered a sermon and the congregation shared the merits gained.

Then, the diamond bud and vane were conveyed in procession, and hoisted atop the Gandakuti Chamber by the decorative conveyor. It was followed by the consecration ceremony and the day meal was donated to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.

The Prime Minister and party later viewed the displays in the Exhibition for Centennial Anniversay of Maha Myat Muni Pagoda including brief history of the Pagoda, florishing of Buddha Sasana in KengTung area, emergence of Gon Shan language and literature, Chieftains from sucessive eras and history of KengTung. Maha Myat Muni Pagoda was built in 1921 by KengTung Chieftain Sao Kawng Kiao Intaleng, aiming to flourish Buddha Sasana in KengTung area.

The Buddha Image was cast by Sculptor U Thit from Mandalay, and the image has been conveyed in parts from Mandalay to KengTung by overcoming the transportation obstacles.

The successive governments, local people and well-wishers carried out for long term maintenance of the pagoda. The Pagoda Festival has been held annually on the fullmoon day of Tazaungmone.