Lokananda Swetawmyat Pagoda celebrates 952nd Anniversary of Buddha Pujaniya Festival

The 952nd Buddha Pujaniya Festival at Lokananda Swetawmyat Pagoda in NyaungU Township, Mandalay Region, has been in full swing since 6 August, according to the pagoda’s board of trustees.
The festival features chanting of Pali scriptures (Patthana) from 6 to 10 August and the offering of alms to 170 monks on 12 August.
The event is bustling with vendors from various townships catering to devotees and festival-goers, while boats from the villages from the islands in the Ayeyawady River pay homage to the pagoda. Decorated boats also highlight the regatta festival, a symbol of celebration for all ages.
The Lokananda Pagoda (pagoda number 1023/418-A) is an ancient structure built by King Anawrahta in 1059 AD, showcasing Pyu and Myanmar architectural styles. It has been renovated over the years, so it now appears as a new pagoda.
The pagoda is situated on the bank of the Ayeyawady River, north of Thiripyitsaya village, approximately two miles and six furlongs from Bagan. — TWA/TH