PILGRIMS all over Myanmar thronged at the Bagan Ancient Cultural Zone in NyaungU district, Mandalay Region, during the Christmas holidays, according to the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism (Bagan branch).

During December Christmas holidays, local travellers visited three tooth relic pagodas in Bagan-NyaungU side Tantkyitaung tooth relic pagoda, Maha Hngetpyittaung pagoda, Htilo Minlo, Arnanda, Maha Bodhi, Buu pagoda, Kataw Palin, Keminga, Thagyar Pone, Shweleiktu, Thatbyinnyu temple, Ngakywe Nataung, Pahtoe Thar Myar, Shin Myar Shin, Manuhar, Dhamma Yazaka, Shin Aizzagawna, Dhammayangyi and Sulamani pagodas, and the parking lots were full.

The Bagan-NyaungU Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone hosts local and foreign travellers even on non-significant days. Over 200,000 visitors paid a visit to Bagan during the Christmas holidays, and all the hotels and guesthouses were fully booked, said U Htin Lin Oo, secretary of Lawkananda Pagoda board of trustees. The traditional toddy sap shops are also opened along Kyaukpadaung-NyaungU road, and they are crowded with visitors. The sales of varieties of jaggery, peanut oil and sesame oil are also on the rise. Locals who operate e-bikes, mini-Oway, horse carts, car rentals, and restaurants including guides, hand painters, Thanaka appliers and photographers (phones) are reaping profits in NyaungU and Bagan. Moreover, the viewing mounds are also crowded with travellers to enjoy the beauty of sunset together with the picturesque Bagan scene, Ayeyawady River and Tantkyi Hill.

Dipar Lin/KTZH

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