Pilgrims throng Kyaiktiyo Pagoda during Thingyan holidays

Pilgrims from nationwide flocked to the eminent Kyaiktiyo Pagoda during the Thingyan period, according to the board of trustees.
“The number of visitors during the COVID-19 period fell. But, it increases gradually. There were 245,982 local visitors and 1,294 foreign travellers between Thingyan Akyo and Atet days. Most of the travellers were from Thailand. There were over 400,000 visitors to the pagoda festival last year. Some registered individually, but some in groups. According to the data, the number of visitors is soaring when compared to previous figures. A total of 150 ferries run up and down systematically, and 40 cable cars also run from the Yathedaung Main Station onto the platform daily,” said U Soe Hla, chairman of the board of trustees. There is a total of 500,000 visitors to the pagoda from Thadingyut full moon day to date.
“The Thingyan New Year holiday is long, and we are coming here with my family and relatives. We visit Kyaiktiyo Pagoda every year, but we didn’t come here during the COVID-19 period. We can easily get there as we live near to it. Although the temperature is high in summer, it is very nice to visit as it is a 3,000-foot mountain that is cool in the morning and evening. We get relief and can pay homage peacefully. It is hot in the afternoon, but the number of visitors is high,” said Ma Nandar Linn from Yangon.
The board of trustees and officials systematically conduct security measures for the visitors.
“The security forces conduct security measures along the way. The board of trustees also cooperate with the hotels and motor vehicle associations to be perfect services for food and accommodation of the visitors,” said the chairman of the board of trustees. — Thet Naing (Mawlamyine)/KTZH