Over 113,000 pilgrims from across the nation visited the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Mon State from 1 to 26 January, according to U Soe Hla, the chairman of the board of trustees.
The number of pilgrims from nationwide to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda reached 301,534 from October 2023 to January 2024.
“From November 2023 to January this year, 301,534 pilgrims visited the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. On 20 and 21 January (Saturday and Sunday), 45,000 locals and foreigners came to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda,” U Soe Hla said.
Currently, over 250 hill-ascent buses operate daily, and all the lodges, guesthouses, free housing, and restaurants are open for the pilgrims.
The famous places along the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda mountain, restaurants in the market square and souvenir shops are crowded with pilgrims, and many pilgrims are staying at free and paid accommodations.
Additionally, Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is open to the public year-round. It hosts the annual Buddha Pujaniya Festival from the full moon day of Thadingyut to the full moon day of Kason. — ASH/MKKS
