With hope for peace, Buddha Pujaniya festival will kick start on 18 March

Narinjara News, 6 March 2023

Anticipating world peace, Buddha Pujaniya festival of the ancient The Koe-thaung pagoda  (ninety thousand Buddha statues) in Mrauk U township of Rakhine State will be held for the first time on 18 to 20 March 2023, said U Maung Nyunt, chairman of the board of trustees for The Koe-thaung pagoda .

"By organizing the Buddha Pujaniya Festival of The Koe-thaung pagoda we wish good health and well-being for everyone around the world. We hope the Rakhine people and the entire human race will be happy,” he said.

On the first day, statues of the Buddhas those are standing will be adored. The invited nine monks will recite the prayer and programs like serving breakfast to the visiting fans are scheduled.

Rakhine traditional sports (Kyin/Wrestling) is also included in the program where the evenings will be rocked by Aune Pwe San troupe.

Ma Myo Aye, a young resident of Mrauk U, said, "I am happy and proud of the celebration. The Koe-thaung pagoda  event will exciting.It should bring happiness to the people.”

The Koe-thaung pagoda is large and rectangular in shape. The 16th-century monument on the eastern outskirts of Mrauk U measures approximately 77 meters on each side.

The literary meaning of the pagoda is the temple of 90,000 Buddhas which was erected by King Min Dikkha (1554-56) and Shitthaung pagoda (80,000 stupas) by his father and predecessor King Minbin.

It is the largest monument in Mrauk U, even though the present form was found after restoration.