 A major annual pagoda festival known as the ' Mahamuni Paya <unk> ' ( ' <unk> ' meaning " festival " ) is held in early February , at the end of the Buddhist Lent to celebrate the history of the pagoda . During this festival , aside from the daily rituals , the <unk> from a " Book of Conditional Relations " is recited . This book is a philosophical text which Buddha recounted to his mother in a sermon in <unk> heaven and is a sacred scripture in the Pali language . The Pattana recitation is a special feature , which continues for several days . Monks recite from the scriptures , in groups of two or three . The festivities also include various forms of entertainment programmes such as dance , music , theatre etc . , and there is also a social event , allowing families and friends gather to greet each other . Given that large crowds of pilgrims are attracted during the festive season , guards are posted near the Great Image and video cameras are placed in many parts of the temple precincts to protect it . 
