Traditional Festival: Inle Phaung Daw Oo Pagodas return to original monastery

The Inle Phaung Daw Oo Sacred Buddha Images were ceremonially returned to their original Monastery on Thursday after completing their traditional pilgrimage across 21 locations in the Inle region.

The event began at 9:00 am with decorated boat displays and performances. Attendees included Shan State Chief Minister U Aung Aung, military and civil officials, and large numbers of local residents and pilgrims. The sacred Buddha images were respectfully carried back onto the royal platform by government, Tatmadaw and administrative officials in a grand procession.

They later offered meal, flowers, water, and gold robes to the Buddha images. At Namt Hu Monastery in Tha Lay Village-tract, a religious ceremony was held, led by Sayadaw of Mine Thauk Monastery. The congregation received Five Precepts and listened to Paritta.

Attendees donated offertories and shared the merits gained. Later, traditional boat races were held, including events for women’s 26-rowers, men’s 46-rowers, solo rowing, and team competitions with over 100 rowers. The Chief Minister and officials cheered on the races. Prizes were awarded to winners of each categories. The Inle traditional festival concluded successfully with the performance of the song "Naung Inle".