Barges carrying Buddha statues float during the Phaung Daw Oo pagoda festival in Inle Lake, southern Shan State, Myanmar, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Spectacular lake festival in Myanmar shines despite political upheaval and natural disasters
Myanmar’s Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, a major Buddhist celebration and world-class tourist attraction, has seen some of its celebratory spirit diminished, with locals and visitors citing a confluence of challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, political upheaval and natural disasters — including a recent devastating earthquake. Crowds nonetheless flocked this week to enjoy the festivity, with […]
SEPT. 23, 2025
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