The annual Kyaikne Mid-Water Pagoda Festival, held between Ankhe and Weakalaung villages in Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State, will take place this year in a quiet, traditional manner without entertainment programs due to security concerns, according to local residents and pagoda trustees.
The festival will be observed from November 5 to 7 (Tazaungmon Waxing Moon 1 to 3). Local donors and trustees are preparing to provide food for pilgrims and arrange boat transport for visitors traveling to the pagoda.
A resident from Warlarkahtaung village said the festival could not be held on a grand scale because the area is less secure compared to other popular pagoda sites, such as Kyaikkhami and Kyaik Tamoat.
“It’s not like Kyaikkhami or Kyaik Tamoat; our area is different. If the event were held on a large scale, the authorities would deploy soldiers and police for security, and that could make things more dangerous. Everyone knows the situation now, people are living on edge,” the resident said.
Although there will be no entertainment activities, traditional religious ceremonies, including offerings, prayers, and recitations, will still be held on November 14 and 15 (Tazaungmon Waxing Moon 14 and 15).
Residents remain concerned about safety, as clashes between junta forces and local resistance groups have been reported near Htinshu village, close to Ankhe.
Because of the tense situation, only pilgrims from within Mon State and nearby areas are expected to attend this year’s festival.
“Our village donors will still provide food from November 5 to 7 (Tazaungmon Waxing Moon 1 to 3), as usual. Boats will carry pilgrims to and from the pagoda, but we’ll keep it simple — no entertainment. Young people may still gather at sea as they always do,” another resident said.
The Kyaikne Pagoda, located in the sea between Ankhe and Weakalaung villages, becomes accessible by foot along a rocky path, known locally as the “Spirit Path,” when the tide recedes. It is one of Mon State’s well-known religious sites, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year.
Locals said that major religious and cultural events in Mon State now require security arrangements by junta forces, but their presence has raised fears of potential clashes with resistance groups in the area.
