Sacred celebrations: a study of Nats rituals at Taungbyone Festival in Mandalay

AbstractThis thesis studies the spiritual rituals and Nat worship associated with the Taungbyone Nat festival, examining the long-standing coexistence of Theravada Buddhism with ancestor worship in Myanmar. More specifically, it examines the Taungbyone Nat festival, a communal ritual that highlights these beliefs. This study features the strengthened relationship between the Nat spirits and the indigenous people who participate in the belief of Nats. Furthermore, it also demonstrates the importance of community participation in ritual activities and explores the festival atmosphere encourages a shared sense of identity and social connection.The research identifies the historical evolution of Nat worship, particularly its longstanding coexistence with Theravada Buddhism and roots in the tradition of the pre-Buddhist traditions. It investigates the background of the Taungbyone brothers and the Nat festival, with an emphasis on sacred spiritual places and statues that represent the religious and cultural connections of Myanmar. Nat rituals are still strongly rooted in the daily lives and beliefs of local communities, as shown in the study's examination of their structured performances and hereditary traditions.This thesis explores the traditional customs and the difficulties brought about by modernisation and social change by integrating prior research, historical documents, and visual observations of the Taungbyone festival. The purpose of this study is to draw attention to the cultural importance of Nat ritual sequences, which are protecting Myanmar's intangible cultural heritage and its long-standing customs. Through this examination, the study highlights the Taungbyone festival as a living representation of the coexisting animistic beliefs and Buddhist practices in contemporary Myanmar.