ACCORDING to U Soe Hla, chairman of the pagoda board of trustees, more than 800,000 pilgrims visited Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Kyaikto Township, Mon State, from October 2024 to 12 February 2025.
During the Buddha Pujaniya festival period, which ran from 17 October 2024 to 12 February 2025, the pagoda welcomed 781,286 domestic visitors and 23,066 foreign travellers, with most international visitors coming from Thailand and Vietnam.
“The Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Buddha Pujaniya festival begins on the full moon day of Thadingyut, attracting pilgrims daily throughout the festival period. Last year, 726,664 domestic and foreign travellers visited during the same period, so this year’s numbers are higher. The majority of visitors, both local and foreign, come on day trips,” said U Soe Hla.
Since November 2024, pilgrims from across the country have been flocking to the pagoda daily. Around 150 mountain vehicles provide transportation up and down the hill, while lodges, guesthouses, public rest houses, and hotels remain open to accommodate visitors. — ASH/MKKS
