Approximately 20,000 pilgrims throng Bagan Cultural Zone in pre-Thingyan period

Bagan cultural heritage zone in NyaungU Township, Mandalay, was packed with about 20,000 devotees in the pre-Thingyan period, said U Than Myint Oo from Shwezigon Pagoda Trustees Board.
Bagan cultural heritage zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was crowded with pilgrims during the Thingyan holidays. The pagoda is regularly opened for the devotees from 5 am to 6 pm. During the holidays, opening hours are extended from 5 am to 8 pm.
The local pilgrims are interested in observing the temples, stupas and mural paintings. The majority of the visitors were seen in the famous historical temples of Bagan city: Shwezigon Pagoda, Tuyintaung Pagoda, Tantkyitaung Pagoda, Htilominlo Temple, Ananda Temple, Bu Pagoda, Thatbyinnyu Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, Sulamani Temple, Mahabodhi Temple, Sulamani Temple, Manuha Temple, Shwesandaw Pagoda, and other famous pagodas. Now they also like to observe the structure, building and mural paintings of Khayminga pagoda, Yinmanawin pagoda, Wuttanahtaw pagoda, Sulegon Pagoda, Thagyapon and Thagyahit pagodas precinct, Shweleiktu, Ingyin Cave pagoda, Kyaukmyatmaw pagoda, and other pagodas in the cultural zone.
The pilgrims must strictly obey the health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health. The zone receives about 20,000 pilgrims these days.
Those pilgrimages help revive the small businesses such as horse-riding businesses, motorcycle and electric bike rental businesses, hotels, motels, guesthouses and souvenir businesses. — KPD/GNLM