Festival featuring Nagayon Pagoda, Shin Uppagutta rafts set adrift at Kyaikkhami Mid-water Pagoda

The festival to adrift the Nagayon pagoda and Shin Uppagutta rafts in the sea was organized at Kyaikkhami Mid-water Pagoda in Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State on 1 November, said U Aung Than, chairman of the pagoda board of trustees.
The festival was led by Sayadaw U Paninda from Kyonwan Village of Kyaikmaraw Township of Mon State with the participation of residents.
“The Nagayon Pagoda and Shin Uppagutta rafts were set adrift into the sea from the platform of the pagoda. It is just a tradition for people living in many townships in Mon State this season. On 1 November, the Sayadaw from Kyonwan Village and villagers organized the festival there. A total of 190 Nagayon pagodas and 190 Shin Uppagutta rafts were set adrift. It aims for peace and safety,” he said.
Three kinds of festivals such as the Kason water-pouring festival, honey-offering ceremony and rice donation ceremony on the 14th waxing of Tawthalin and Buddha Pujaniya festival on the full moon of Thadingyut are held annually at Kyaikkhami Mid-water Pagoda. — ASH/KTZH