Travelers to Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda return to increase in Jan 2024
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Khit / Yoon (NP News) – Feb 1
According to the residents, the number of travelers to the Golden Rock Pagoda has been returning to increase in January 2024. The number figures the highest within four years since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The residents reported that arrival of the travelers to the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda in 2023 reached to a certain number. However, more travelers come to the pagoda in January 2024.
“More travelers are visiting the pagoda. This year, the number of travelers is higher than the previous years. In fact, there were only few travelers visiting last year even on the holidays. This year, approximately 80,000 pilgrims visit on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Since December, it has been steadily increasing the numbers of the travelers,” Ko Okkar Oo, a responsible person from the tour gate located at the base of the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda.
He added that it is estimated that the total number of pilgrims during this year's pilgrimage period has been nearly 300,000. Thus, the local vendors attain good sale turnover this month.
“Pilgrims come from various parts of Myanmar. Since the number of travelers return increasing, the vendors have good sale turnovers,” he added.
Board of Trustees of the Pagoda and the responsible personnel arrange for security, free accommodation, food and healthcare services for the pilgrims.