Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon’s iconic landmark, is scheduled for a major renovation in the upcoming financial year 2024-25, as announced by U Bo Thin, a trustee of the pagoda.
The renovation plans include comprehensive gilding of the entire structure and restoration work on the two staircases, ensuring their original designs remain intact. The gilding process is typically undertaken every five years, alongside comprehensive maintenance.
The trustee explained: “Before gilding the pagoda, it is customary to apply gold leaves to the surrounding stupas on the terrace and the Naungdawgyi Stupa one year in advance. Additionally, we will renovate heat-resistant tiles on the pagoda platform in two phases.”
Currently, the first phase of tile renovation has been completed, with approximately 90 per cent of the second phase already finished. Furthermore, maintenance works on the southern and western stairways are nearing completion, and the lion statues at the gates and entrance to platforms have also been refurbished. — ASH/NT
