Number of pilgrims to Bagan cultural zone increases within week

Bagan culturalheritage zone in Nyaung U Township, Mandalay has now received the growing number of pilgrims in a week, said U Than Myint Aung from Shwesigon Pagoda Trustees Board.
Bagan cultural heritage zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was eerily empty due to the tight restriction period of the COVID-19. It was reopened starting from 8 February 2021, in accordance with the health guidelines for the COVID-19, NyaungU Township Administration Body stated.
The pilgrims from Heho, Tagaung, Taunggyi, Hopong, Natmauk, Magway, Bago, Pakokku, Kyaukpadaung, Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw cities visitied the zone these days. Some came to Taungkalat Aba Aungminkhaung Nat Pwe (spiritual worshipping event) and enter Bagan cultural zone to pay homage to Buddhist temples.
Around 550 visitors are seen in the famous historical temples of Bagan city: Shwezigon Pagoda, Tuyintaung Pagoda, Tantkyitaung Pagoda, Htilominlo Temple, Ananda Pagoda, Bu Pagoda, Thatbyinnyu Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, Culamani Temple, Mahabodhi Temple, Sulamani Temple, Manuha Temple, Shwesandaw Pagoda, and other famous pagodas in recent days, according to the board.
The local pilgrims are interested to observe the temples, stupas and mural paintings. Those pilgrimages can revive small businesses such as horse-riding businesses, motorcycle and electric bike rental businesses, hotels, motels, guesthouses and the souvenir businesses.
The local tourism industry is battered by COVID-19 and those engaged in local transportation rental business (three-wheel, boat, horse-riding, car, e-bike, cycle, motorcycle), hotels and guesthouses, restaurants and souvenir shops are suffering from this. The businesses relying on tourism were earlier closed amid the COVID-19 negative impacts, U Maung Soe, who offers boat ride service elaborated. – KPD/GNLM