U Soe Hla, chairman of the board of trustees of the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Mon State, said that over 720,000 travellers visited the pagoda from October 2023 to May 2024 during the Buddha Pujaniya Festival. During this time, visitors from both local areas and abroad, particularly from neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam, come to the pagoda.

“The pagoda sees a significant influx of visitors starting from the full moon day of Thadingyut through to the full moon day of Kason,” U Soe Hla explained. “Even after the festival period ends, pilgrims continue to flock here. We host over 200 pilgrims on weekdays and up to 400 on weekends in the rainy season.” Since November, a large number of pilgrims from across the country have been visiting Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and stalls around the pagoda square remain open as usual. Approximately 250 mountain vehicles transport pilgrims daily to Kyaiktiyo Hill, with hotels, rest houses, and restaurants operating around the clock to accommodate them.

ASH/ MKKS

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