According to the Myanmar lunar calendar, every Myanmar month has exactly 28 days. The days are counted in sequences of waning and waxing in accordance with the state of the moon. The Myanmar era starts 638 years after the Christian era, and it is said to have been dated from the foundation of Bagan by the Pyu king Duttabaung. Hence AD 2001 is ME 1363. Most of the Buddhist festivals are based on the Myanmar calendar and thus the exact dates of them vary from year to year according to the position of the moon. Many Pagoda festivals can last for several days and people come from far and near to worship, market and varieties of entertainment are sprung up around the Pagoda.

Celebrated in a town called "Kyaukse", situated near the "Mandalay". This small town is noted for its elephant dancing. These elephants are not real - but made of cloth or paper and borne and animated by two men inside. This procession is accompanied by a music troupe of drums, cymbals, flute and so on.

Situated in Mandalay, the last royal capital of Myanmar Kings. This pagoda itself is noted for its Buddha Image that was carved out of a single block of huge marble. This Pagoda festival is one of the most prominent in Mandalay with lots of food stalls, theatrical shows, magic shows, and so on.

Situated in Inle Lake, one of the most dazzling and magical places in Asia. It is held on a grand scale for 18 days, usually falls in October (sometimes in September). Four Buddha Images out of five from Phaung-daw-oo Pagoda are carried on royal barge and conveyed around 14 villages on the Lake. The barge is towed by the boats of leg -rowers and hundreds of boats follow the procession. The large crowds of people gather on the lake-shores to celebrate the occasion. It is really a splendid sight.

Among the dance shows and fun-fairs, the most interesting event of the festival, especially for foreigners, is their boat race - due to their unique leg rowing. It is the one and only place in the world that one can see such marvelous act.

Tazaungmon is the eight month in the Myanmar lunar calendar (usually falls in November). Monsoon month bid farewell and comes the Tazaungmon with more lights and festivities. Look all around, there is nothing but blue skies and the fresh cool breeze of the winter time begins. The Tazaungmon festival, however, means more than a mere change of the weather condition.

Built in the mid 11th century, the graceful bell shape of Shwezigon Stupa was a prototype for later stupas of Myanmar. Chronicles describe that the holy tooth, collar-bone and frontlet relics of Buddha are enshrined in the Pagoda. Two great kings are associated with the construction of this massive Pagoda- Anawratha (1044-1077) and Kyansittha (1084-1113).

It was first built by king Anawrahta, although he was able to finish only three terraces before he died. Only in the reign of king Kyansittha was the Pagoda completed in 7 months and 7 days according to the scholars. There are three other Pagodas in which the tooth relics are enshrined in the Bagan area. Myanmar devotees believe wishes could be fulfilled paying homage to these 4 tooth relics Pagodas within one day. Its festival is held annually. It lasts for 23 days during which one can find food stalls, fun-fairs, shops selling local products, dance/ drama/ theatrical shows, magic shows, puppet shows, and so on. Myanmar people-young and old simply love to have a stroll around the place where there is a Pagoda festival.

Another significance of the month is that it is the time during which Kathina robes are offered to the Holy order. Kathina is a Pali word, meaning "The donation that will bring great benefit". During the life time of the Buddha, thirty monks traversed a long journey to pay obeisance to the lord Buddha. En route, unfortunately, there was a heavy downpour and they were drenched when they got to the Buddha. Since they had no other robes for changes the lord Buddha then allowed the offering of Kathina robes to them. The offering is meant only to the needy and not to individuals. Besides, they cannot be offered at all times but only once a year during the particular period.

It is held in commemoration of offering lights to the "Sula Mani Pagoda", built in Tavatimsa (realm of the celestial beings). Jatakas (the Buddha's birth stories) relate that when Prince Theidatta made a great renunciation to become the Buddha, He shed His Hairs and flung them into the sky, there and then the Tagyarmin (King of the celestial beings) took them to enshrine in the Sula Mani Pagoda. To honour this Sula Mani Pagoda, huge fire balloons are floated high above throughout the country.

It is held in Taunggyi, a capital of the southern Shan State. It is said to have been the origin of Pa-o minority. It is celebrated annually on a grand scale for 6 days. These balloons are released day and night, competing over their beauty, lasting hours and the attitude they can gain. During the festival period one can find food stalls, fan-fair, shops selling local products, theatrical shows, magic shoes, and so on. People from any part of the country love to come and celebrate the occasion.