Phaungdawoo Pagoda Overview
The PhaungDawOo Pagoda is a major attraction on Inle Lake region. It houses five gilded Buddha images, which are almost unrecognizable as they have been covered with gold leaves by devout Buddhists. The five images are of different sizes, ranging from nine to eighteen inches tall. Being made of solid gold, the images are extremely heavy and are believed to be brought to Inle Lake by King Alaungsithu. Gold leaves are regularly placed on the images by male pilgrims. Meanwhile, local devotees often place a small robe around the images which are then brought home and placed on their own alter as a token to show respect for the Buddha.
PhaungDawOo Pagoda Festival
The PhaungDawOo Pagoda plays host to one of the largest religious festivals in Myanmar, which takes place in the pagoda every year in September or October. During the festival, four of the five images are paraded around the Inle Lake in an elaborate barge pulled by traditional long boats manned by hundreds of rowers. The fifth image is left to guard others' resting places in the pagoda. Meanwhile, boat races are held near the pagoda. The rowers donning traditional costumes use their legs to paddle the boats, presenting a wonderful visual spectacle.
