Pilgrims throng Kyaiktiyo Pagoda during Thingyan holidays

Pilgrims from nationwide flocked to the eminent Kyaikti­yo Pagoda during the Thingyan period, according to the board of trustees.

 

"The number of visitors during the COVID-19 period fell. But, it increases gradually. There were 245,982 local visitors and 1,294 foreign travellers be­tween Thingyan Akyo and Atet days. Most of the travellers were from Thailand. There were over 400,000 visitors to the pagoda festival last year. Some regis­tered individually, but some in groups. According to the data, the number of visitors is soar­ing when compared to previ­ous figures. A total of 150 ferries run up and down systematically, and 40 cable cars also run from the Yathedaung Main Station onto the platform daily," said U Soe Hla, chairman of the board of trustees. There is a total of 500,000 visitors to the pagoda from Thadingyut full moon day to date.

 

"The Thingyan New Year holiday is long, and we are com­ing here with my family and rel­atives. We visit Kyaiktiyo Pagoda every year, but we didn't come here during the COVID-19 pe­riod. We can easily get there as we live near to it. Although the temperature is high in summer, it is very nice to visit as it is a 3,000-foot mountain that is cool in the morning and evening. We get relief and can pay homage peacefully. It is hot in the after­noon, but the number of visitors is high," said Ma Nandar Linn from Yangon.

 

The board of trustees and officials systematically conduct security measures for the visi­tors.

 

"The security forces con­duct security measures along the way. The board of trustees also cooperate with the hotels and motor vehicle associations to be perfect services for food and accommodation of the vis­itors," said the chairman of the board of trustees. — Thet Naing (Mawlamyine)/KTZH