NSS – Aug 8 

It is reported that more than 10,000 pilgrims visited the Mara Vijaya Buddha Image and stone slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings on the first day of the pagoda opening for the public.

The State Administration Council announced that the public is allowed to visit the Buddha Image free of charge from August 8 to 16 but under tight security measures.

According to an officer, it has been 12,066 pilgrims visited the pagoda on the first day.  

After August 16, entrance charges will be collected to visit the pagoda park. 

The Mara Vijaya Buddha Image is a monumental statue in Myanmar, with the aim of showcasing how far Theravada Buddhism is flourishing in the country to the world. The statue is expected to be the highest stone-sculptured sitting Marble Buddha image in the world.