Over 200,000 visitors made the pilgrimage to Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda in Minbu (Sagu) Township of Mibu district in Magway Region during the festival days from the 5th waxing of Tabodwe to the 1st waning of Tabaung (until 25 March), according to the pagoda board of trustees.
The pagoda festival is being held for 64 days, from the 5th waxing of Tabodwe to the first day of the Myanmar New Year. The festival is crowded with visitors from different regions and states, for being the most well-known pagoda.
It holds the longest festival in Myanmar. During the festival days, the full moon day of Taboung hosts the most significant number of visitors every year.
This year, the full moon day of Taboung falls on a public holiday, so the accommodations are entirely housed with visitors, and some pilgrims stay at religious halls and monasteries. The stalls are also packed with visitors, like the bustling fete for buyers and sellers alike. The festival hosted over 200,000 visitors to date, said U Win Htay, chairman of the pagoda board of trustees.
According to the data on the pagoda, there are 207,030 visitors to the festival until 25 March. Among the total, 46,306 visitors are for overnight stays and 22,792 entry vehicles and motorcycles. — Maung Maung (Minbu)/KTZH
