ON the full moon of Tazaungmone, the Bagan Ancient Cultural Zone bustled with pilgrims and tourists, creating a vibrant scene reminiscent of the Thadingyut Festival. Although fewer visitors travelled to Bagan from other parts of Myanmar due to competing attractions like the Taunggyi hot-air balloon festival, Bagan remained lively, welcoming both pilgrims and tourists.

The secretary from the board of trustees from the Htilominlo Pagoda observed that while the Tazaungdine celebrations were busy, they did not match the crowds of Thadingyut. Approximately 10,000 visitors explored Bagan’s eminent pagodas this year, slightly down from the 15,000 recorded last year. Foreign tourists, including families with children, have started arriving in November, drawn by Myanmar’s renowned landmarks and warm hospitality.

Bagan continues to be one of Myanmar’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting domestic and international visitors and playing a crucial role in supporting the local economy. Festivals like Tazaungdine significantly boost local businesses, especially souvenir shops, traditional craft vendors, and horsecart services. Around 70 per cent of visitors engage in activities such as traditional painting and purchasing keepsakes, which particularly appeal to younger travellers. Following Tazaungdine, other prominent festivals, such as the Shwezigon Pagoda Festival and the Ananda Temple Festival, are expected to draw both local and distant travellers to the region.

Nyein Thu (MNA)/KZL

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