Around 30,000 pilgrims visited the annual festival at Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda in Minbu (Saku) Township, Magway Region, during the February long holidays.

The 86-day festival, which runs from January 22 to April 17 (from the 5th waxing day of Tabodwe to Myanmar New Year’s Day), has drawn visitors from Yangon, Mandalay and across the country. By February 16, daily vehicle entry ranged between 50 and 100 cars, with this year’s turnout higher than last year.

Accommodation has been arranged for pilgrims, and rooms were fully booked during weekends and the recent public holidays. Organizers expect even larger crowds after Grade-12 matriculation exams conclude.

The busiest days traditionally include the festival opening, full moon days of Tabodwe and Tabaung, and the Thingyan holiday period. This year’s program will also feature a continuous recitation of the Mahā Patthāna scripture.

In keeping with tradition, residents from nearby Minhla Kyin village are organizing ox-cart caravans to the pagoda before the Tabaung full moon day, returning the day after.