Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda bustling with pilgrims across Myanmar

Following its brief opening on the 5th Waxing of Tabodwe, the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda in Minbu (Sagu) Township, Magway Region, is receiving visitors from all over the country, according to the pagoda Board of Trustees.
Pilgrims, especially on weekends and public holidays, are seen offering gold foil, fasting, praying and doing good deeds, including fish-releasing and monkey-feeding. In addition, the Mann Creek is also crowded with people bathing, relaxing and taking souvenir photos.
Along with the opening of the pagoda, the Mann Creek Elephant Resort was also opened. Pilgrims are allowed to pay homage to the pagoda following COVID-19 preventive rules, said in-charge of the Lower Settawya and member of the pagoda Board of Trustees U Thein Hlaing.
Although visitors can take accommodation to relax in the daytime, overnight stays are not allowed, he added. However, they can stay at the nearest religious buildings and monasteries with the certificate of COVID-19 vaccination, ID and household list card. More than 90 makeshift guest lodges have been built for the people to spend their afternoon bathing in Mann Creek, and the price of a lodge is K10,000. — Maung Maung (Minbu)/GNLM