Bagan sand painting gains in popularity among locals

Bagan sand painting, 100 per cent handmade art, has caught much attention in the local market and demand has also risen, according to sand painting sellers from Bagan.
“It has gained quite a lot of popularity in the domestic market these years compared to previous times. It could attract local visitors in the past, though no one bought it. However, foreign-made printed elephant or dragon pictures even cost US$10-US$15, so more people would like to buy this 100 per cent handmade art, sand painting, when they visit Bagan,” said a sand painting shop owner in Bagan.
Over previous years, sand painting attracted foreign tourists, and its demand also increased.
“We had to rely on foreigners in Bagan at the beginning. Later, when the arrival of foreign visitors was low, we changed focus towards the local market. The arrival of foreign visitors always gets high every September, October, November and December in Bagan,” said another sand painting shop owner in Bagan.
Depending on design and category, sand painting costs range from K25,000 to K65,000 at present, and the price varies depending on customized orders. — Thit Taw/ZS