Shwedagon Pagoda Festival, Myanmar

Held annually during the full moon day of the month of Tabaung, this festival is one of the largest temple festivals in Myanmar. Come to watch locals reciting prayers with the monks at the famous golden stupa in Yangon that is rumored to contain strands of hair of the Lord Buddha. Pilgrims move clockwise around the stupa as an ancient tradition believed to grant great merits to those who do so; they also ask for wishes to be granted at the planetary posts surrounding the stupa. A marvelous carnival atmosphere pervades the temple during the festival, with plenty of local color. (Myanmar Tourism Ministry)