Sacred Pilgrimage Site: Visitors Throng Kyaik Hti Yoe Buddha Pujaniya Festival

KyaikHtiYoe Pagoda, a well-known pilgrimage site, in Mon State is full with crowds of pilgrims and visitors during Thadingyut festive.

Kyaik Hti Yoe Pagoda, also called the Golden Rock is one of the most sacred sites in Myanmar. The pagoda Buddha Pujaniya festival is annually held on the full moon day of Thadingyut.

Head, Kyaik Hti Yoe Pagoda Board of Trustees, Kyaw Win Hlaing said “The Budda Pujaniya festival of Kyaik Hti Yoe Pagoda is held annually on the full moon day of Thadingyut. It is estimated that it had been 36 times. Well-wishers from respective organizations organize alms food, flowers and lights offering ceremony for the pagoda on the festival day.” 

The pagoda platform is full with crowds of pilgrims and visitors from all parts of the country, especially in the festival period. The Pagoda Board of Trustees said they are undertaking for the convenience of visitors as much as possible in cooperation with related organizations.

Deputy Head, Kyaik Hti Yoe Pagoda Board of Trustees, Soe Hlaing said “We have community halls named Si Mee Koe Htaung and Pyae Zone where the visitors can stay free of charge. There are 18 inns and many restaurants arranged by our Pagoda Board of Trustees for the visitors to be able to have food with reasonable price. We are also undertaking for the safety and security of the visitors in cooperation with township/village/ward administrators, police members and Tatmadawmen.”

Chairman, Yoe Yoe Lay Company, Nay Htet Thein Naing said “We have about 380 hotel rooms and also have free of charge community halls. But the rooms are not enough for the pilgrims. So, the pagoda board of Trustees allows the visitors to stay on the pagoda platform at night.”

On the full moon day of Thadingyut, locals offer the lighting of 9000 candles and 9000 flowers to the Buddha.

Visitor (Pakokku), Kyi Kyi Myint said “I am a teacher. We have long holidays this year Thidingyut. So we make pilgrimage. People are crowded here as Kyaik Hti Yoe Pagoda is magnificent and prominent. It's convenient for me visiting here.”

Visitor (Kyaik Hto), Lay Lay Wah said “I come here with my relatives and siblings. I’m so happy to come here because we have long holidays. This is my first experience. So, I’m very pleased to pay homage to the pagoda with my siblings.”

According to the Pagoda Board of Trustees, opening ceremony of Kyaik Hti Yoe mountain is held on the full moon day of Thadingyut and the closing ceremony is held on Kason full moon. At the peak of the pilgrimage season is during November to March. Last year, Kyaik Hti Yoe pagoda recorded the highest numbers of pilgrimage during 38 years.