Eyes on Mount Popa and its incredible Nat Spirit Festival (14 DEC 2016)

5th December 2016

Mount Popa is located in central Myanmar and is an extinct volcano nearly 5,000 feet high and covered with forest. The name Popa has its root in Sanskrit and means "flower". It is the location of the most important Nat pilgrimage site in Myanmar.

During the festival pilgrims from across Myanmar gather at the mountain to honor 37 revered Nats (guardian spirits).

How is it celebrated today: During the Mt Popa Nat Festival the revered Nats are honored to bring good merit and fortune for the coming year. At the festival the Nats are called upon through rituals of song and dance and offerings of liquor.

The Mt Popa Nat Festival offers a fascinating glimpse into the animist traditions of Myanmar and is a lively experience that should not be missed on a visit to Bagan.