16 October 

Following are some people who were in or passed through Mandalay Region during the long Thadingyut holidays, and voices heard from them as they head back to their respective duty stations.

Daw Su Su Han, Assistant Manager, Myanmar Post Office headquarter, Nay Pyi Taw

I came to Mandalay to stay with my parents during the holiday. Today, I’m going back to Nay Pyi Taw. As I booked a round trip bus ticket, this was not an issue. I pay homage to Phayagyi (this was how locals called Mandalay Mahamuni Pagoda) as well as pay my respect to my parents. I simply helped my parents with household choirs. It was good to be together with my nieces and nephews too. This was why people like us cherish and value this long Thadingyunt holiday. I’m returning to work with a new body, spirit and strength.

Ma Htut Myat Wei Lwin, company employee from Yangon

I’m visiting Mandalay together with my friends. This is the first time I was here. It was an enjoyable first visit. We went up to Pyin Oo Lwin by motorcycles. The way up and down the winding mountain road was great and was happy to visit many pagodas. Having such long holidays renewed our strengths. That was why I think 2019 Thadingyut holiday was great. I think all who went on a holiday during this time would have a great time and return to their works with renewed strength and energy.

Ko Kyaw Win Tun, Mandalar Min Express Bus manager, Mandalay

On regular days, our express bus line operates 25 express bus trips between Yangon and Mandalay. During this holiday period, this was increased up to 40 trips due to increased numbers of travellers. Furthermore, there were normally three express buses doing the day run but today six more buses were added to the schedule to meet the huge amount of people returning to their work stations after the long holiday. So there were nine buses doing the day run. Depending upon the number of travellers, the number of buses doing the overnight trip will be increased as required. We were doing the best we can to accommodate the increased numbers of travellers during the holiday period without increasing our bus fares.

Daw Ei Ei Mon, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Nay Pyi Taw

I return to see my parents and grand-parents in Mandalay during this long holiday. It was not convenient to return during normal weekends. Bus ticket was bought ten days in advance so I was able to travel on the day I want to. I’m happy to be with my parents and grand-parents during this long holiday. As I was able to rest well with my parents, I can now go back to work full of energy and strengths.

Daw Ei Shwe War, Government Technical College, Magway Region, Chauk Township

I went on a holiday with my friends to Taunggyi, Inle and Pindaya region. I’m now in Mandalay to return to Chauk. It was great to be with friends on a holiday and great to experience places that were different from where I was from. We always look forward to the long holidays to break away from the daily routine. It was great that the Thadingyut holiday was increased from the usual 3-days to 5-days making up for the holidays that fell in on Saturday and Sunday. Having such long holidays renewed our strengths and energy to return to our daily works.

Ma Hnin Wathon, Ayeyarwady Bank, Yangon

Our bank also closes five days for Thadingyut holiday. This allows me to visit Mandalay with my friends. This was the first time I’ve been to Mandalay and I had a great time visiting historical pagodas. I also went to visit pagodas in Sagaing and also went up to Pyin Oo Lwin. Pyin Oo Lwin was fantastic as it was a complete change of surroundings for a person like me who was from Yangon. But the visit to Mingun region was the best as I was able to see first-hand where Mingun Sayadaw had stayed and to know more about his life there. Holidays like this are a great change for people like us who are doing the daily routine days after days. I can now go back and do the routine works with renewed energy and drive. 

Min Htet Aung (Sub-printing house) and Aung Phyo Kyaw (Translated by Zaw Min)