It is a quieter – and closer to Mandalay – version of the large-scale Taungbyone Nat Festival celebrated at Taungbyone, 2,5 hour's drive from Mandalay. It attracts believers, pilgrims, devotees and just curious visitors from afar who come to Amarapura to watch nats, or people possessed by spirits, dance all night long. There is a lot of alcohol involved to help nats achieve the necessary state of mind and consciousness.
The festival will be held on the banks of the Taungthaman Lake which is well known for its one-of-a-king U-Bein Bridge, arguably the main draw of Amarapura.
Other important attractions of the town include the wooden Bagaya Monastery built by King Mindon; Kyauktawgyi stupa dating back to the 19th century; and the ruins of Amarapura Palace with the tombs of King Bodawpaya and King Bagyidaw.
Amarapura is located 10 km south of Mandalay and can be reached via an easy 20-minute motorbike ride or a 45-minute bicycle ride.
Amarapura to Host Yadana Gu Nat Festival in September
News in Asia
Between September 3rd and 9th, Amarapura, once a capital of Myanmar and now a township of Mandalay, will host its annual Yadana Gu Nat Festival.