Bagan’s economy flourished during Waso as pilgrims fuelled demand for transport, food, lodging and souvenirs, with hotels and local vendors reporting record crowds.
The Bagan-NyaungU Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone drew large crowds of pilgrims and merit-makers from across Myanmar on the auspicious Waso Full Moon Day (Dhammacakka Day), according to officials from the Shwezigon Pagoda Board of Trustees in NyaungU Township.
Although Bagan typically receives a steady flow of visitors even on ordinary days, public holidays and Buddhist holy days such as Waso often see a significant increase in the number of pilgrims. Families, groups of friends and religious travellers arrived in the early hours to visit pagodas, offer alms and engage in Dhamma practices.
To accommodate the seasonal rise in visitors, pagodas under the cultural heritage zone’s management are open daily from 5 am to 7 pm during the Buddhist Lent. On Waso Full Moon Day, many pilgrims gathered at the revered Shwezigon Pagoda starting from 4 am to participate in almsgiving, meditation and recitation of protective verses and blessings.
U Than Myint Oo, head of the Shwezigon Pagoda Board of Trustees, explained that eighteen pagodas under the cultural authority remain open throughout the Lenten period, ensuring ample opportunity for devotees to visit and make merit.
The influx of pilgrims also brought bustling activity to the local economy. Horse-cart drivers, e-bike rentals, mini-van operators, local tour guides, food vendors, souvenir artists and guesthouse operators all saw heightened business. Hotels and lodges were reportedly busy with both religious travellers and tourists seeking to mark the special occasion in Bagan. — Dipa Linn/KZL
