Yangon and the life of its people
My first photos from our new journey to Yangon in Burma (Myanmar).
During our tour in Burma in May 2012 I shot too many photos in Yangon and at the Inle Lake, so I'll share the pictures in two albums.
A word to all (German) smart alecks of using the name of this country:
Burma has changed its name quite often in the pass, last time to Myanmar in 1989. Other names were used as Burma, Birma (used … (read more)
During our tour in Burma in May 2012 I shot too many photos in Yangon and at the Inle Lake, so I'll share the pictures in two albums.
A word to all (German) smart alecks of using the name of this country:
Burma has changed its name quite often in the pass, last time to Myanmar in 1989. Other names were used as Burma, Birma (used … (read more)
U Htaung Bo Road in Yangon
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A busy round about on the way to the Shwedagon Pagoda east side.
Distances in the tourist areas are not large and, provided to take it easy, we could walk almost anywhere.
Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Yangon
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On the way from our hotel to the first sightseeing destination we'd across the busy road entering a small lane through a vivid market.
Old Yay Tar Shay lane in Yangon
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The walk is an markable experience passing small stores and flying vendor stalls.
At least we reached the eastern side for the gate to the Shwedagon premise.
Gyar Twaya St to the Shwedagon premise
Girl with a lovely thanaka face
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Burmese women colour their (and their childrens) faces with thanaka bark. It is ground into a powder, mixed with water and applied onto the face. It is said to protects the skin against the sun - and it lightens the colour of the face.
The girl offering plastic bags to store and carry our shoes and socks which must taken off on all the pagoda premise.
Burmese people make pilgrimage to the pagoda
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When we reached the eastern gate to the ascent of the pagoda premises we were nearly the only foreigners coming that way. In spite of all predicted by other tourist information we saw only a few other western visitors.
Eastern stairways to the pagoda platform
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At the eastern side is also serving a lift to bring the visitors to the pagoda area.
An old lift at the southern side was demolished. During my former visits I'd much fun to use that old shaky lift going up to the pagoda, I like going up and down several times.
Golden decorated ceiling and its columns
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There are four entrances to the Shwedagon that lead up flights of steps to the platform on Singuttara Hill.
Vendor stores along the walk up stairs
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The eastern gate has vendors selling books, good luck charms, Buddha images, candles, gold leaf, incense sticks, prayer flags, streamers, miniature umbrellas and flowers to be given as offerings.
East main shrines and the Temple of the Kakusandha…
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Thousands of devotees visit the pagoda each day to perform religious rites to make merit.
Young monks at the pagoda platform
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It's customary for a male in Myanmar to enter a monastery twice in his life. Once as a samanera, a novice monk, between the age of 10 and 20, and again as a hpongyi, a fully ordained monk, sometime at the age of 20. Some might remain a monk for just a few days, while others stay for life.
Burmese monks
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Monks, collectively known as the Sangha, are venerated members of Burmese society. Among many ethnic groups in Myanmar. There are approximately 400,000 monks in Burma.
The grand golden pagoda
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This world-renowned pagoda towers over the city of Yangon, and can be seen for miles around. Widely considered one of the world's wonders, Shwedagon is thought to have been constructed more than 2,500 years ago.
Sacrifice ceremony to Buddha image
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Water symbolises purity, clarity and calmness, and reminds us to cleanse our minds and attain the state of purity. Pilgrims pour this holy water over the Buddha statue.
Young monks resting on the floor
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A group of monk boys relax after meal at the floor near the Shwedagon platform. During our visits at day and at the evening we saw strikingly many young boys as monks around the grand pagoda, most of them doing meditation in a shrine.
Life at Daw Ngwe Zin’s Hall
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Near the Tazaung of the Eastern Stairway is the Daw Ngwe Zin’s Hall. In this Tazaung, there are a number of Buddha images including reclining Buddha and a crowned Buddha known as Labhamuni (Sage of Acquisition). One interesting article in this Tazaung is the sand stone cylinder, which can be viewed from the side.
The meaning of Tazaung in Burmese is a shrine building of the kind usually found around a zedi (stupa).
Victory Ground at Shwedagon
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Just in front of this great hall is the famous Victory Ground. This is one of the most sacred places in Shwedagon. The place is always packed with people who pray and wish for the success, of any kind. Traditionally, this is the ground where kings, princes, generals and solders of ancient Hansawaddi Mon kingdom come and pray for success before they leave for war. In recent years, this place is associated with student political movements as student activists usually use this ground for launching their anti government activities. Not surprisingly, this place is one of the most closely watched places in Shwedagon.
Group of monks at Shwedagon
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Monks, collectively known as the Sangha, are venerated members of Burmese society. Among many ethnic groups in Myanmar Theravada Buddhism is practiced in conjunction with nat worship, which involves the placation of spirits who can intercede in worldly affairs.
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