Nat Pwe

While the Burmese are Buddhists, many still cling to their older animistic roots. This takes the form of worshipping spirits, called nat, to whom prayers and offerings are made at a small shrine in the home. Such spirit worship is prevalent in the Upper Burma regions and amongst the many ethnic groups.

Taungbyon, about 13 miles north of Mandalay, is the location of the Taungbyon Nat Pwe (or Spirit Festival), the most famous animist celebration. This takes place in August when train-loads of worshippers arrive to pray to the powerful spirits of the two Taungbyon brothers, executed by thr king in the 11th century.

Burmese nat worshippers may pray to some or all of the pantheon of 37nat, most of whom died violent deaths before becoming spirits. Worship is generally based on fear of being harmed or punished by the nat, and the hope that favours will be bestowed in return for prayers.

Nat pwe can also be seen in Rangoon, where crowds of people may gather inside bamboo pandals for music and dancing. There are special songs for the nat and mediums may become possessed by the spirits to dance or talk.