Pagoda festivals (;
paya pwe) are regular festivals found throughout
Burma (Myanmar) that commemorate major events in
pagoda's history, including the founding of a
pagoda and the crowning of the pagoda's
hti (umbrella). Pagoda festivals are dictated by the
Burmese religious calendar and often are held several days at a time. Major events in a pagoda festival typically do not coincide with
Uposatha (Buddhist Sabbath) days, during which devout Buddhists observe the
Eight Precepts. The majority of pagoda festivals are held during the dry season, from the months of
Tazaungmon (November) to
Tabaung (March).