U Soe Hla, chairman of the board of trustees, reported that over 30,000 visitors from across the country flocked to the renowned Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Kyaikto, Mon State, during the February holidays.
“With three days off this week, we saw a daily influx of 20,000 pilgrims from all corners of the nation. On 10 February (Saturday) alone, we welcomed 15,110 pilgrims, comprising 13,225 men, 1,612 women, 171 monks, and 57 nuns, along with 16 male and 29 female foreigners,” U Soe Hla stated.
The number of pilgrims visiting the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda increases daily. According to the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Board of Trustees, most of the foreign visitors come from Thailand and Viet Nam, although there are also some from China, Russia, and other Western countries. Approximately 250 truck services are running up and down to the pagoda daily, and various accommodation and eateries are available to cater to visitors.
The Buddha Pujaniya Festival at Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is typically usually held from the full moon day of Thadingyut to the Kason full moon day, with the pagoda open to the public every day. — ASH/MKKS
