Pagoda Renovation: Gilding for Shwedagon pagoda in 2024

Preparations are underway for gilding Shwedagon pagoda from top to bottom.

The gilding is entirely redone every five years, but for now, it is going to be conducted in the year of coming 2024.

Treasurer, Member of Pagoda Board of Trustees, Boe Thinn said "Gilding the pagoda from top to bottom was conducted in last 2018/2019. As it is turned 5 years in 2023-24, preparatory measures are being conducted for implementations in 2024 after reporting to the concerned Ministry. First, we have to set up scaffolding structure on the pagoda and check the damaged parts of it by forming a committee. Depending on it, the list of gold plates, gold coating and gold leaves are about to come out to use. Generally, estimated around 1,800/2,000 gold plates are used for the renovation works every five years.  "

He added that they have already offered gold plates, gold coating and gold foil in different ticals of gold on various parts of the pagoda including the very top Banana Bud. For the full circumference of the pagoda, renovation works are going to be conducted by replacing the required amount of gold.

While the gilding process is being carried out, they will also have to check the strength of Umbrella, lighting conductor and other different parts of the pagoda by monitoring groups. 

Treasurer, Member of Pagoda Board of Trustees, Boe Thinn said "For the tender system, we have announced in the newspapers. For the gold leaves which are going to offer to the Shwedagon pagoda, we have invited tenders. 2 square inches of gold leaves are used for the pagoda. We have handmade and mechanized gold leaves. So, we’ve invited 10,000 for mechanized and 14,000 for handmade gold leaves in numbers."

As many pilgrims visit the famous destination, Shwedagon pagoda every single day, the renovation works are being carried out in momentum. So people are urged to contribute in offering and donation activities through the affordable way.