14 Jan 

Many ancient pagodas of the Inwa period in Yaysone Village, Kyaukpadaung Township, Mandalay Region are in a state of disrepair, and nearly 50 pagodas still need to be restored, according to residents.

Some ancient pagodas in the village are being restored by the Department of Archaeology and National Museum (Bagan Branch) by using State Funds, and some are being restored as before by using funds from donors.

“By observing situations of bricks of these pagodas and the structure of the pagodas, officials at the department said that the pagodas were built during the Inwa era. All restoration works are being carried out only under the supervision of the department,” said U Win Bo, a village elder.

There are 94 ancient pagodas in Yaysone Village. With collective public donations, 24 ancient pagodas were restored and, other 21 pagodas were repaired by using State Funds. So, a total of 45 ancient pagodas have been repaired.

Yaysone Village-tract Administrator U Kyaw Win said, “They focus on getting original ancient style in restoring the ancient pagodas. If donors want to repair the ancient pagodas, they have to seek permission from the Department of Archeology and National Museum.” 

Ko Nay (Kyaukpadaung)(Translated by Maung Maung Swe)