Yangon, Kandawgyi Lake

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/michaelasanda-2093698-myanmar64/

Karaweik or Karaweik Hall is a palace on the eastern shore of Kandawgyi Lake, Yangon, Burma. The barge was designed by Burmese architect U Ngwe Hlaing, who based it on the Pyigyimon royal barge. Construction began in June 1972 and it was finished in October 1974.

The barge is a two-storied construction of concrete and stucco, reinforced by iron rods, with a pyatthat-topped roof, and two reception halls and a conference room. It houses a buffet restaurant today.

Karaweik is a concrete reproduction of a royal barge and serves as a venue for traditional dance

Amazing lake view of Swedagon Pagoda, the most sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese. The pagoda lies to the west of Kandawgyi Lake, on Singuttara Hill, thus dominating the skyline of the city.

Bauhinia variegata

The word karaweik comes from Pali karavika which is a mythical bird with a melodious cry. The palace is the concrete copy of a royal barge.

The Karaweik Barge was the barge of the Burmese Kings.

The bird depicted is the Hintha mated for total monogamy and great attachment to each other, so much so that if one is killed the other will not eat until death.

Located east of the Shwedagon Pagoda, the lake is artificial; water from Inya Lake is channeled through a series of pipes to Kandawgyi Lake. It was created to provide a clean water supply to the city during the British colonial administration. It is approximately 5 miles (8 km) in circumference, and has a depth of 20 to 45 inches (50 to 115 cms).

….five Thousand Nats (spirits) that guard Religion, the Nats that guard the Trees, the Nats that guard the Earth, the Nats that guard the Skies, and all kinds of Nats; the Nats that guard the Hills, the Nats that guard the Five Great Rivers, the Nats that guard the Five Hundred little Rivers, the Irrawaddy……

On 15 April 2010, three bombs exploded in a road near to the lake in the afternoon during the Burmese New Year festival; 10 people were killed and 178 injured

Kandawgyi Garden or Kandawgyi Nature Park is a popular recreation centre of the capital of Yangon. You can find a variety of beautiful flowers, the natural scene of the lake water and large shady trees. There are also an orchid garden, the children play-ground, Mini Zoo, the souvenir shops and many restaurants.

Eugenia oleina, Syzygium campanulatum, Wild cinnamon tree

Here Myanmar folk song and dance shows, called pwe, are performed on many evenings from 7pm to 10pm

Karaweik palace interior Nowadays the palace is used as a restaurant and for cultural shows

The saung, also known as the saung-gauk, Burmese harp, Burma harp, or Myanmar harp) is an arched harp used in traditional Burmese music. The saung is regarded as a national musical instrument of Burma. The saung is unique in that it is a very ancient harp tradition and is said to be the only surviving harp in Asia.

The Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, Yangon

Nikko Royal Lake Hotel Yangon

Kandawgyi Lake and Hotel

Yangon Kandawgyi Lake statue near the lake

A small Buddhist shrine along the board walk of Lake Kandawgyi

Text: Internet

Pictures: Sanda Foişoreanu & Internet

Copyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanu www.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound Hlaing Win Maung - The couple of birds