It's Saturday evening and I join Tara, Jane, Chris and Melani in visiting my local pagoda at Kyaik Waing. I have come to see this place as part of my life after moving to live in the area six months ago.

We remove shoes and on the entrance steps I buy some flowers to place at the shrine to the day of the week on which I was born - Monday.

As we enter the complex, we are immediately greeted by the Trustees, with whom I have developed a great affection over the months. They kindly take us in to the dining area where we are seated on the floor around a table and served up mohinga.

We we take photos of local people raking photos of us! We are treated like celebrities and people are so kind and joyful. There is live music and the main reason for the festival is to provide alms to 200 monks from nearby monasteries.

The monks take it in turns to fill up their sacks with all manner of foods and practical household items. There is also a 'raffle' with cash prizes for the lucky monks. It's a ceremony which has taken place for centuries and an important way for the local community to support these revered monks.