Gold, Crimson and Moonshine: Full Moon rising above the Stupa

Myanmar, Yangon, Shwe Da Gon

Founded in the sixth century BC, Shwe Da Gon has evolved, certainly from a small size stupa to the present one, nearly one hundred meters high. From the fifteenth century, the stupa has continuously been covered with gold leaves and plates.

Repeated harshness of the monsoon season make necessary a frequent restoration of the main stupa. The latter is then enveloped by a bamboo scaffolding. Enterely hand made, braiding the bamboo sticks on the whole stupa is really a matter of art, and working on it an actual performance.

During several months such bamboo canvas is completely covered and consequently the stupa is hidden from everyone's eyes.... once the restoration and gilding is completed, then the scaffolding is dismantled from top to bottom, letting the stupa appear..... a moment expected, when it shines again with its full brightness over Yangon.