Bagan buzzes with pilgrims for Waso Full Moon
Bagan’s economy flourished during Waso
as pilgrims fuelled demand for transport, food, lodging and souvenirs, with
hotels and local vendors reporting record crowds.
The Bagan-NyaungU Ancient Cultural
Heritage Zone drew large crowds of pilgrims and merit-makers from across Myanmar
on the auspicious Waso Full Moon Day (Dhammacakka Day), according to officials
from the Shwezigon Pagoda Board of Trustees in NyaungU Township.
Although Bagan typically receives a
steady flow of visitors even on ordinary days, public holidays and Buddhist
holy days such as Waso often see a significant increase in the number of
pilgrims. Families, groups of friends and religious travellers arrived in the
early hours to visit pagodas, offer alms and engage in Dhamma practices.
To accommodate the seasonal rise in
visitors, pagodas under the cultural heritage zone’s management are open daily
from 5 am to 7 pm during the Buddhist Lent. On Waso Full Moon Day, many pilgrims
gathered at the revered Shwezigon Pagoda starting from 4 am to participate in
almsgiving, meditation and recitation of protective verses and blessings.
U Than Myint Oo, head of the Shwezigon
Pagoda Board of Trustees, explained that eighteen pagodas under the cultural
authority remain open throughout the Lenten period, ensuring ample opportunity
for devotees to visit and make merit.
The influx of pilgrims also brought
bustling activity to the local economy. Horse-cart drivers, e-bike rentals,
mini-van operators, local tour guides, food vendors, souvenir artists and
guesthouse operators all saw heightened business. Hotels and lodges were
reportedly busy with both religious travellers and tourists seeking to mark
the special occasion in Bagan. — Dipa Linn/KZL
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