The festival is held in a small town of Amarapura, in Mandalay region. The event attracts thousands of people who come together to worship Nats, the pantheon of 37 animist spirits, an integral part of Myanmar’s Buddhist culture.
Hundreds of spirit mediums who are believed to be possessed by spirits during this period, conduct special ceremonies paying tribute to Nats and celebrating their power. During the festival the Goddess of Popa, the patron and protectress of women is also praised. Dances and songs performed by mediums are accompanied by special ritual Burmese music. Lay people make offerings in the form of flowers, food, liquor and money to all Nats and Goddess of Popa.
Yadana Gu Spirit Festival offers unique and fascinating glimpses of the local culture where ancient animistic traditions are still strong. While the festival celebrations flood the whole city, the most striking and colourful rituals are performed in Buddhist temples. To visit, dress apropriately covering shoulders and knees.
Photo gomyanmartours.com
Amarapura to Host Yadana Gu Spirit Festival in August
News in Asia
The annual Yadana Gu Spirit Festival, the largest gathering of spirit mediums in Myanmar, falls on August, 23–29 this year, from 1st to 8th Wanning of Wagaung.