Bagan draws pilgrims for Tawthalin full moon on 26 September
Published on 09/27/2026 at 16:50 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael MĂĽller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Bagan hosted pilgrims for the Tawthalin full moon on 26 September 2026, bringing visitors to its ancient pagodas and temples in Myanmar’s Mandalay Region. The religious occasion also marked a visible return of travellers after the rainy season.
Tawthalin full moon brings pilgrims to Bagan pagodas
The Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone was busy on the Tawthalin full moon, according to a report published by Myanmar’s Ministry of Information on 27 September 2026. Visitors came to pay homage, offer alms, food, oil lamps and fruit, and take part in religious activities connected with the day.
Manuha Temple hosted offerings and traditional performances on 26 September 2026. The report also recorded more than 12,000 visitors at Shwezigon Pagoda, over 6,200 at Buu Pagoda and more than 1,500 at Htilominlo Pagoda. Other major pagodas and temples in the heritage zone received domestic and international visitors on the same day. The Ministry of Information report links the activity to the Tawthalin full moon and identifies the temples involved.
Bagan’s ancient landscape gives the religious day its setting
The religious activity took place across a vast archaeological landscape beside the Ayeyarwady River. The Myanmar National Portal describes the site as a destination in Mandalay Region with more than 2,000 ancient pagodas and temples, while its monuments were built largely between the tenth and fourteenth centuries.
The portal places the archaeological zone on 104 sq km (40 sq miles) of Upper Myanmar plain. Its temples, stupas and monasteries connect the contemporary pilgrimage to the long history of the former Pagan Kingdom. The portal also records Manuha Pagoda Festival as a September or October tradition, making the 26 September 2026 religious activity part of a season in which local observances and travel overlap. Further background appears on the Myanmar National Portal page.
Visiting Bagan: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The Tawthalin full moon activity took place at Bagan pagodas on 26 September 2026. Manuha Temple, Shwezigon Pagoda, Buu Pagoda and Htilominlo Pagoda were among the named locations.
- The occasion involved religious offerings, homage and traditional performances. The report does not announce a general closure of the heritage zone.
- Bagan is in Mandalay Region beside the Ayeyarwady River. The Myanmar National Portal lists Nyaung U airport, road travel and river cruises as ways to reach the destination.
- Myanmar and English are listed as the destination languages, and the national currency is the Myanmar kyat.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for Bagan on social platforms
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Frequently asked questions about Bagan
When did the Tawthalin full moon take place at Bagan?
The Tawthalin full moon activity took place on 26 September 2026, with pilgrims visiting several pagodas and temples.
What happened at Bagan on 26 September 2026?
Visitors paid homage at Manuha Temple and other pagodas, made offerings and attended traditional performances and religious activities.
Where is Bagan and how do you get there?
Bagan is in Myanmar’s Mandalay Region beside the Ayeyarwady River. The Myanmar National Portal lists Nyaung U airport, roads and river cruises as access options.
