NAY PYI TAW November 14
Opening of the second Matho Shwekya Robes weaving and offering ceremony of Maravijaya Buddha Image was held at Fountain Square, Buddha Park, Dekkhinathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, Union Territory this evening, attended and formally opened by Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla.
Also present together with the Senior General and wife were the Vice Chairman of State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General and wife, the SAC Secretary and wife, the SAC Joint Secretary and wife, SAC members and wives, union level officials, union ministers and wives, the Nay Pyi Taw council chair, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and wives, the Nay Pyi Taw command commander, officials and monks and laypersons.
The ceremony was opened with the recitation of namotassa three times, and Union Minister for Religious Affairs U Tin Oo Lwin read out the Jayamingala paper.
The Senior General and wife formally opened the ceremony by cutting the ribbon.
When a member of the Board of Trustees of the Maravijaya Buddha Image U Thant Swe beat the mingala gong, Matho Thingan weaving began, at the same time, artistees of MRTV of Ministry of Information, Fine Arts Department of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture and Myawady music band under the command of Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare danced and sang a Tazaung Lighting song and the attendees released mini hot air balloons of various types.
The artistees then continued to stage group dances, drumming performances, and songs. The Senior General and wife and attendees observed the Matho Thingyan weaving stations of 15 regions and states including Nay Pyi Taw and encouraged them.
The Senior General and wife and distinguished guests watched the releasing of illuminated and decorated hot air balloons of various types together with the monk and layperson attendees.
The Tazaungdine Lighting festival will be held at the Buddha Park from 13 to 15 November in accord with the traditions and culture. Religious associations will also recite religious sermons continuously, fireworks will be displayed, hot air balloons will be released and Matho Shwekya Robes will offered. Moreover, the venue will be illuminated with multiple lights and shops will be installed to sell local goods, food, personal items and local snacks.
Fine Arts Department and stage actor Po Chit and troupe will stage dramatic shows. Public can visit the Image during the festival.
