IN 2024, approximately 400,000 domestic pilgrims and over 4,700 international travellers visited Shwemawdaw Pagoda in Bago, according to U Shwe Thein, an alternate member of the pagoda’s board of trustees.
Between January and December 2024, more than 390,000 domestic pilgrims and 4,750 international visitors came from various regions to pay homage to the pagoda.
“Throughout the year, Shwemawdaw Pagoda in Bago attracts many pilgrims from near and far. In particular, a large number of day-trip pilgrims from Yangon visit regularly. Most of them come on weekends. These visitors often extend their pilgrimage to other sacred sites such as Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha Image, Maha Ceti, and Hinthagon Pagoda. Over the course of the year, nearly 400,000 domestic pilgrims and more than 4,700 international travellers from countries such as Thailand, China, and Cambodia visited Shwemawdaw Pagoda,” said U Shwe Thein.
The annual Buddha Pujaniya Festival of the revered Shwemawdaw Pagoda in Bago is traditionally held for ten days, from the 10th waxing to the 4th waning of Tagu. The festival features religious merit-making activities, commercial trade fairs, and entertainment programmes, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Additionally, on the full moon day of Tagu, 500 members of the Sangha are offered alms, including rice and other donations, by generous devotees. — ASH/KNN
