Taungpyone Nats (Spirits) Festival

There are a number of annual Nat festivals celebrated throughout the country, the Nats of the region accordingly. Tauhgpyone festival is the most attractive and important in a village near Mandalay. Annual festival is held in September or August according to the Myanmar. lunar calendar. The believers honour the two Taung Pyone brothers, Min Gyi and Min Galay. In Buddhist lore, spirits or nats exit in many forms such as celestials or guardians of the faith, cities or villages or even for each individual. The pantheon of 37 spirits worshipped by semi-animists are also called Nat but of a different kind. Most of the 37 spirits met violent deaths as humans and by strong emotions of bitterness or anger could not pass through to their next life but remain in limbo. But rituals worship them in believing that they will be blessed and they could bring more wealth and good fortune to their daily life.

Taungpyone Nats (Spirits) Festival

The festival is held on 10th Waning Moon day of Wagaung in Amarapura, near Mandalay. During Five days festival, the festival honours the mother of the two spirit Taung Pyone brothers. She is the Goddess of Popa and her main shrine is on Popa Crest, near Bagan. She is a powerful spirit and protector of women.